HKR Architects
Jun 2008
HKR ARCHITECTS & FARRINGDON PROPERTY UNVEIL PLANS FOR
THE CHANGING OF THE GUARDIAN
The London office of HKR Architects, the multi award-winning international
architect and design practice, has unveiled its plans for a 210,000 sq
ft £45million ultra sustainable landmark office building –
The Wave, Farringdon Road, EC1 – on the site of the landmark Guardian
newspaper building.
Taking its name from the form of the building, The Wave’s principles
of orientation and envelope modelling have been developed to avoid excessive
solar gain on the various facades, while utilising cutting edge technology
to minimise energy use and generate on-site power through tri-generation,
which contributes to the 21.6% renewable energy for the nine storey building.
A redevelopment of the current site, the new design will provide a powerful
and positive building, re-establishing the location as a landmark and
reflecting the creative ethos of London’s Clerkenwell. The Wave offers
a commanding entrance on the corner of Farringdon Road and Ray Street,
with ground floor (A1-A3) retail opportunities, flexible floor plates,
with panoramic views of the London skyline from upper levels and roof
terraces.
The site and its surrounding area are located within the Clerkenwell Green
Conservation Area, and considered by the London Borough of Islington to
have a strong urban character enhanced by the surviving pattern of narrow
streets and historic buildings.
Guardian newspapers occupy the existing building – constructed in
the 1970s – and although printing doesn’t take place on-site,
approximately 1,000 people work in the building, which is open 24 hours
a day, seven days a week. The building is due to be vacated in early 2009.
Already served well by underground services and transportation services,
the area is set to improve further with phase ll of the Crossrail, and
is a thriving mixed-use destination for multi-national companies, the
media industry and architecture practices.
John Maxwell, Director of Farringdon Property, said: “This is an
exciting time for the area. The Wave will act as a first class example
of best practice in new office design – right in the heart Farringdon,
a uniquely creative and historic part of the City.”
Brian Woodward, lead architect from HKR Architects commented: “The
modern and sustainable building will be aimed at the new office market
and those who demand more in terms of location, energy efficiency, green
credentials and flexibility. We believe The Wave will raise the bar when
it comes to sustainable commercial office buildings.”
Issued on behalf of HKR Architects by Crush Communications
The Wave London
: HKR Architects
London Architects
HKR Architects is a leading international architecture and design practice
with offices in Dublin, London, Manchester, Belfast and Prague. In 2008,
HKR was ranked as Ireland’s leading architecture firm in Building
Design’s World Architecture 100 Survey. The survey also ranked HKR
as the 18th largest practice in the UK, the 25th largest in Europe and
as the 68th largest practice in the world. HKR’s expertise spans
several sectors including urban design and regeneration, offices, residential,
retail, mixed use, hotels and resorts, education and health. HKR also
has dedicated capabilities in masterplanning and public private partnership
projects, and specialise in the design and corporate fitout of interiors
for all buildings. HKR’s Dublin, London and Manchester offices have
each been awarded the international ISO 9001:2000 certification reflecting
a continuous, unrelenting focus on service standards.
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The Wave London Building
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