23-HKR Architects Architecture, planning and development News 090608

Subscribe to newsletter

Editor's Note: HKR Architects provide:-

Architecture, planning and development

Request Information

Home
Include Article
Advertise

Links
Request Information
Terms of use
Contact

Request Facilities / Interiors product information

Request Architectural product information A-J

Request Architectural product information K-Z

Request Mechanical HVAC product information

Request Electrical product information

HKR ARCHITECTS & FARRINGDON PROPERTY UNVEIL PLANS FOR THE CHANGING OF THE GUARDIAN

The London office of HKR Architects, the multi award-winning international architect and design practice, has unveiled its plans for a 210,000 sq ft £45million ultra sustainable landmark office building – The Wave, Farringdon Road, EC1 – on the site of the landmark Guardian newspaper building.

Taking its name from the form of the building, The Wave’s principles of orientation and envelope modelling have been developed to avoid excessive solar gain on the various facades, while utilising cutting edge technology to minimise energy use and generate on-site power through tri-generation, which contributes to the 21.6% renewable energy for the nine storey building.

A redevelopment of the current site, the new design will provide a powerful and positive building, re-establishing the location as a landmark and reflecting the creative ethos of London’s Clerkenwell. The Wave offers a commanding entrance on the corner of Farringdon Road and Ray Street, with ground floor (A1-A3) retail opportunities, flexible floor plates, with panoramic views of the London skyline from upper levels and roof terraces.

The site and its surrounding area are located within the Clerkenwell Green Conservation Area, and considered by the London Borough of Islington to have a strong urban character enhanced by the surviving pattern of narrow streets and historic buildings.

Guardian newspapers occupy the existing building – constructed in the 1970s – and although printing doesn’t take place on-site, approximately 1,000 people work in the building, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The building is due to be vacated in early 2009.

Already served well by underground services and transportation services, the area is set to improve further with phase ll of the Crossrail, and is a thriving mixed-use destination for multi-national companies, the media industry and architecture practices.

John Maxwell, Director of Farringdon Property, said: “This is an exciting time for the area. The Wave will act as a first class example of best practice in new office design – right in the heart Farringdon, a uniquely creative and historic part of the City.”

Brian Woodward, lead architect from HKR Architects commented: “The modern and sustainable building will be aimed at the new office market and those who demand more in terms of location, energy efficiency, green credentials and flexibility. We believe The Wave will raise the bar when it comes to sustainable commercial office buildings.”

Email: hkr@kcapitalsource.com