The scheme’s influence will extend beyond the site’s physical boundaries by adding to a local network of materials exchange, and inspiring and demonstrating best practices. It will exceed minimum building regulations, meet London’s zero carbon ambitions, and facilitate the transition to a greener, circular economy.

A kit-of-parts approach has been adopted to give occupiers the flexibility to expand or condense without changing location or needing to predict long-term requirements.

The scheme retains as much as possible of the current building, retrofitting and reusing building materials while designing out unnecessary components. It reuses most of the materials currently on-site as well as materials from site deconstruction and salvage yards nearby, and recycles the smaller portion that cannot be reused on-site or elsewhere. All waste is separated on-site so a higher percentage of the recycling content can be upcycled.

The existing building will be extended by introducing a new modular building around part of its perimeter. The extension explores a mix of modern methods of construction, is built for disassembly, and provides flexible and adaptable space for green start-ups and micro-enterprises. The construction process itself will be used as a form of education and a showcase for circular economy principles. An on-site material store facility, as part of a Construction Skills School, will enable occupiers to consider material reuse in the fitout of their spaces.

Social inclusion and diversity are embedded within the incorporation of public spaces and external roof areas that are accessible to the wider community. These offer composting and food growing spaces, as well as safe recreation and play areas missing from the sites that surround the scheme.

Designed with the aim of adding social, environmental, and economic value to its local community with reference to the 15-minute city methodology and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.