Orms are currently developing proposals on behalf of M&G Real Estate and CO_RE for the redevelopment of a vacant commercial office building at 2 Waterhouse Square.
2 Waterhouse Square is part of the Waterhouse complex which is split into three separate buildings, named 1, 2 and 3 Waterhouse Square. The estate is Grade II* listed and 2 Waterhouse Square forms the first phase of an estate wide masterplan.
The development seeks to sensitively refurbish and extend the existing building to provide high quality commercial floorspace and flexible commercial space, whilst reinstating original heritage features such as the form of the original lightwell.
Through detailed analysis of the Hatton Garden Conservation Area, a new approach to massing and facades was developed to position the building more sensitively into the context. The existing heritage facades are retained, with minor interventions at ground floor to increase activity along Leather Lane and to provide a new route through into Waterhouse Square.
The development has aspirational sustainability goals, targeting BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ WELL Core ‘Gold’, NABERS UK 5 Star Design for Performance and a 49.6% improvement over the Part L 2021 baseline. The proposals provide new high quality end of trip facilities promoting active travel. As part of the development the site wide plant is replaced with modern all-electric plant, improving the energy performance and sustainability of the whole estate.
The proposals seek to reuse as much material from the existing as possible. 74% of the existing structural GIA is retained, with the existing steel frame targeted to be disassembled for reuse. The existing granite facades are being explored for reuse opportunities, as pavers, floor finishes, wall finishes, landscape features or reintegrated into the proposed facades. The strip out also aims to remove as much material for re-use either on or off site.
Orms are currently developing proposals on behalf of M&G Real Estate and CO_RE for the redevelopment of a vacant commercial office building at 2 Waterhouse Square.
2 Waterhouse Square is part of the Waterhouse complex which is split into three separate buildings, named 1, 2 and 3 Waterhouse Square. The estate is Grade II* listed and 2 Waterhouse Square forms the first phase of an estate wide masterplan.
The development seeks to sensitively refurbish and extend the existing building to provide high quality commercial floorspace and flexible commercial space, whilst reinstating original heritage features such as the form of the original lightwell.
Through detailed analysis of the Hatton Garden Conservation Area, a new approach to massing and facades was developed to position the building more sensitively into the context. The existing heritage facades are retained, with minor interventions at ground floor to increase activity along Leather Lane and to provide a new route through into Waterhouse Square.
The development has aspirational sustainability goals, targeting BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ WELL Core ‘Gold’, NABERS UK 5 Star Design for Performance and a 49.6% improvement over the Part L 2021 baseline. The proposals provide new high quality end of trip facilities promoting active travel. As part of the development the site wide plant is replaced with modern all-electric plant, improving the energy performance and sustainability of the whole estate.
The proposals seek to reuse as much material from the existing as possible. 74% of the existing structural GIA is retained, with the existing steel frame targeted to be disassembled for reuse. The existing granite facades are being explored for reuse opportunities, as pavers, floor finishes, wall finishes, landscape features or reintegrated into the proposed facades. The strip out also aims to remove as much material for re-use either on or off site.
Simon Whittaker
Director