Sustainability Report
Embodied carbon
The project applies multiple embodied carbon reduction strategies primarily through reuse, selective demolition, and bio-based construction:
1. Structural Reuse
-
Existing walls, floors, facade openings, and structural elements such as columns and slabs were retained.
-
Adaptive reuse preserved the embedded carbon of the original building while reducing demolition waste and new material demand.
-
Selective demolition was only undertaken where spatial or performance upgrades were required.
2. Bio-Based Structural Additions
-
The rooftop extension and structural interventions were constructed using Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and solid timber elements.
-
Timber stores atmospheric carbon and significantly reduces embodied emissions compared to steel or concrete alternatives.
-
PEFC/FSC-certified wood ensures responsible forestry and renewable sourcing.
3. Lightweight Construction
-
Timber rooftop additions reduce structural load on the existing building, minimizing the need for reinforcement materials.
4. Durable Material Specification
-
Brick facade cladding and timber joinery were selected for longevity, reducing replacement cycles and long-term embodied emissions.
Operational Emissions / Energy
The building integrates several energy-efficient systems:
1. High-Performance Building Envelope
-
Upgraded façade insulation systems
-
High-quality airtightness measures
-
Rockwool Rockfit Mono and Knauf Acoustifit insulation systems
2. Efficient Mechanical Systems
-
Collective heat pump installation
-
Low-temperature underfloor heating
-
Ventilation with heat recovery (HRV)
3. Renewable Energy Integration
-
Photovoltaic solar panel installation using FlatFix Fusion mounting system
4. Nearly Energy Neutral Design
-
BEN performance compliance significantly reduces heating and cooling demand.
Service and maintenance emissions
The project reduces lifecycle service emissions through:
Durability and Longevity
-
Brick facade and concrete plinth require limited maintenance.
-
Timber joinery uses certified durable wood.
Efficient Building Systems
-
Heat pump systems reduce fossil fuel dependence.
-
HRV systems improve long-term energy efficiency.
Accessible and Inclusive Design
-
Fully accessible circulation reduces need for later retrofits or accessibility modifications.
Shared Infrastructure
-
Collective heating and shared communal areas optimize system efficiency and reduce redundant equipment.
Afterlife
Adaptive reuse is a core design principle:
-
Former nightclub converted into residential housing.
-
Existing residential buildings upgraded into compact dwellings.
-
Structural column-and-slab system retained, enabling flexible spatial reconfiguration.
-
Layouts allow future programmatic transformation if residential needs change.
Circular economy principles are partially integrated:
-
Timber structural additions allow potential future disassembly.
-
Lightweight CLT construction supports modular removal or adaptation.
-
Retained structural framework extends building lifespan.
-
Material selection prioritizes renewable and recyclable resources.
Key products in low carbon design
