Sustainability Report

Efficient

The project demonstrates a strong focus on reducing embodied carbon primarily through the extensive reuse of the existing structure:

Structural Reuse: The most significant strategy was to keep the existing concrete and steel structure. This action alone saved approximately 49,000 m³ of reinforced concrete and 2,582 kg of steel structure, drastically reducing the embodied carbon that would have resulted from demolition and new construction.
Material Recycling & Reuse: The overall philosophy emphasizes "reusing and recycling materials wherever possible."
Façade Retention: The original Corten steel façade framework has been retained, further minimizing new material production.
Specific Materials: The use of new materials like raw earth bricks (Terrabloc S) reflects a consideration for alternative, potentially lower-impact materials.

Efficient

The project addresses operational emissions through improvements to the building envelope and overall energy performance:

Improved Energy Performance: The renovation aimed at "improving its energy performance whilst preserving the essence of its original design."
High-Performance Glazing: The original glazing was replaced with a new system that "closely matches the original but with thermal performance that meets contemporary standards," which directly contributes to better insulation and reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling.
Specific Glazing Products: ipasol Ultraselect 62/29 (AGC Interpane) and a custom architectural glazing system from Polypane Glasindustrie were used, indicating a focus on high-efficiency glass

Adaptive Reuse and Flexible Design Considerations

Change of Use: After a vacancy period, the building was comprehensively "reorganised" to incorporate a mix of new uses, including conference facilities, offices, co-working spaces, a hotel, a health club, and a restaurant, demonstrating a successful adaptive reuse strategy.
Structural Preservation: The most significant circular economy principle applied is the retention of the entire existing concrete and steel structure, avoiding massive demolition waste and embodied carbon.
Minimal Alterations: The design philosophy of "doing as little as possible to the protected building" and "making minimal alterations to allow it to fulfil its new purpose" is central to its circular economy approach.
New Central Space: The creation of a large circular hall cut through the podium enhances the building's functionality and connectivity, allowing for the coexistence of diverse new uses within the existing framework, ensuring its continued relevance and vitality.

Terrabloc

Polypane Glasindustrie

AGC Interpane

ArcelorMittal Building Solutions