Richmond & Wandsworth Decarbonisation

If there’s one thing we’ve learned makes better buildings, it’s empathy. Architecture never happens in isolation—and simply by being interested and engaged, we’ve found it’s possible to open up the conversations that connect a scheme to its clients and community.

We believe that the more constraints there are, the better the architecture. If there aren’t any constraints, we create them. Challenging sites, existing buildings and complex briefs almost always present incredible opportunities for great design.

To limit our environmental impact, we start with what is already there. By manipulating the form and fabric of a building—whether new or existing—we can work with the existing conditions of topography, light and orientation, and harness the natural energy sources offered by air, ground and water.

If a site’s constraints guide the bigger design decisions, then it’s empathy that informs the smaller, social details. These details frame the human narratives that aren’t included in the brief, anticipating specific moments in the users’ lives.

Good architecture is as much about what happens on the building site as it is about what’s on the drawing board. By working alongside contractors as well as clients we can ring-fence the ideas and details that matter, championing quality and sustainability throughout construction.

Richmond & Wandsworth Decarbonisation

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Work

Richmond & Wandsworth Decarbonisation
London

Client

London Borough of Richmond
London Borough of Wandsworth

We are working on behalf of Wandsworth and Richmond Council on decarbonisation studies for over 25 public buildings as they prepare applications to the Salix Fund. We identify low-cost methods to reduce carbon consumption - typically by 30 to 60%, at an average expenditure of £225 per SQM.

Working in collaboration with sustainability engineers Method Consulting we have developed data-rich reports which assess the effectiveness, capital cost and timeframe for delivery on individual measures such as installation of Air-Source Heat Pumps, insulation upgrades, external over-cladding, PV cells and LED lighting. We also identify any planning sensitivity and offer advice for works on listed buildings or structures within a conservation area.

Projects include works to listed structures including the Grade II* York House, the Civic Centre and a range of Community Centres, Youth Clubs, and Care-leavers Hostels all over Richmond & Wandsworth.