• Client: Greenwich Enterprise Board
• Architect: dRMM
• Photography: Fred Howarth
• Completion: 2022
• Value: £4m
• Size: 1,569m²
• Expertise: Building Services, Civils

Located off a busy road in Charlton, Workstack challenges traditional industrial ‘tin shed’ workspaces — it is a model for creating high-density, affordable industrial space on a compact site. The cross-laminated timber structure progressively cantilevers across five floors, making the most of the small floor area to provide 14 units between 55m² and 110m² for local companies. Our team completed the building services engineering design and SuDS strategy for the scheme. 

Dynamic thermal modelling was undertaken from the early stages to inform the architectural design development and materials selection, with the goal of optimising comfort levels and building performance. A number of passive measures were adopted within the design; the cantilevered form provides solar shading to the west, while the sizes and location of openings ensure crossflow ventilation. Careful coordination during the construction phase ensured a tightly sealed building. 

An efficient air source heat pump system provides the space heating for the building, serving radiators in the main space, as well as perimeter heating via low-level finned tubes located along the frontage windows to enhance the comfort level for the occupants. The building is primarily naturally ventilated, with local extract fans supplementing the wet rooms.

Permeable paved areas, overflow channels and rainwater pipes drain all hardstanding surface water to the below ground drainage system, providing attenuation and a source of treatment to surface water run-off.

The resulting landmark building sets a precedent for the provision of sustainable, high-quality, and affordable workspaces in city centres.