.png)
The Institution of Structural Engineers, the world’s largest membership organisation dedicated to the art and science of structural engineering, has recently moved into its new international Headquarters in Clerkenwell, London.
An inconspicuous four-storey 1960s office building was transformed into a modern, thriving workplace, celebrating a spirit of collaboration between architect, engineer and client by London-based Hugh Broughton Architects.
The 1600 sqm shallow plan development showcases the application of sustainability in retrofit and reflects the philosophy and values that have always underpinned the Institution.
The project was designed with sustainability as a design focus. The retrofit incorporates passive sustainable measures including thermal improvements to the walls and roof, achieved with high levels of insulation and reduced air permeability. New materials have been responsibly sourced from suppliers with environmental accreditation. In the construction of the concrete wall, the Douglas fir timber shuttering has been reused to make the timber entrance doors and to clad a new extension within the rear courtyard, which houses audio-visual equipment and furniture storage.
.png)
The ground level is accessible to all and includes a 104-seat auditorium and meeting rooms, with state of the art audio visual, video conference and web casting facilities. As you move up the building the spaces become increasingly private, with the members' facilities including a library and business centre flanking the double-height atrium on the first floor. The upper levels are reserved for staff offices, which include open plan workspaces, cellular offices and meeting rooms fitted with video conference facilities.
‘Bastwick Street provides a great advertisement for the structural engineering profession. We have created a modern workplace, delivering pragmatic and responsible sustainability solutions throughout the construction process – while also celebrating structural design. The result is a new home which delivers better operations, while never forgetting the philosophy and values that have always underpinned our work.’ said Martin Powell, Chief Executive at The Institution of Structural Engineers.
Project team
+ Architecture: Hugh Broughton Architects
+ Structural Engineer: Expedition Engineering
+ Services Engineer: Thornton Reynolds
+ Project Manager: GVA
+ Lighting Design: Sutton Vane Associates
+ Concrete Consultant: David Bennett Associates
+ Acoustic Consultant: Ramboll
Sources: