The Hub, London, first to get BREEAM Outstanding under 2014 RFO scheme
Overview
The brief reflected the company’s own experiences and was communicated early in the process, allowing all team members to take ownership and enjoy the spirit of the project. Undergoing BREEAM certification was key to demonstrating Broadgate Estates, sustainability credentials and capability to its clients and employees.
About
British Land is a leading UK property company that’s based in London.
Background
Broadgate Estates, now known as British Land, moved to 2 Kingdom Street in July 2015 and occupies 2,429m2 on the second floor. The company had experienced radical expansion both in size and geographically. As well as needing more space, different operations needed to come together, fostering collaboration across a national footprint, and the new headquarters needed to showcase the company’s capabilities.
Connectivity was a key factor in selecting Paddington Central, with its exceptional position as a focus of travel into London and out to the rest of the UK. It also offers proximity to outdoor spaces including Little Venice and Hyde Park.
Benefits
The Hub is naturally sub-divided into three zones for meeting, working and socialising, which formed the canvas for the company’s refurbishment and fit-out plans. The team was given an exacting ‘boardroom to yoga class’ design, execution and evaluation brief, to create a natural working environment that balances wellbeing and organisational effectiveness in equal measure.
Key sustainability features include:
Increased cycling facilities
No waste to landfill
Every piece of wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
Internal partitions, floor and wall finishes and furniture all sourced with strong responsible sourcing credentials
Maximised re-use of existing ceiling and floor
Product purchasing and supply chain controlled to minimise waste. For example:
-Carpet offcuts minimal as job measured extremely tight to avoid wastage
-Pallets were leased to avoid waste
-Plasterboard waste was collected for reprocessing by the manufacturer
-Close working with the furniture consultant and contractor ensured that all finishes had low or no VOC & Formaldehyde content.Post-completion air testing carried out
Materials sourced in the UK, supporting British businesses and jobs
Exemplary level in Considerate Constructors Scheme
Post-occupancy evaluation under way
Commenting on the success of the project, a spokesperson shared, “In the six months since our move to The Hub, we have seen a qualitative, positive impact on client perception. The BREEAM certification shows our credentials in the design, management and operation of property. Talent acquisition is easier; an increase in overall employee satisfaction took Broadgate Estates from ‘One to Watch’ in 2015 to a solid One Star in 2016 with the Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For last December.”
They continued, “And, our latest Wellbeing Workplace Survey shows that 95% of our people believe our space supports their wellbeing. In short, we have brought our company’s vision to life within our own workplace. The quality of the offices and the BREEAM certification also show that, as a manager of property, we really know how to design, manage and run properties.”