Technique (Laser House)

Clerkenwell, London, UK

  • TOTAL AREA 5000 m²
  • SYSTEM CAM-C – floor supply, floor return

The Laser House redevelopment will convert two historic Clerkenwell buildings, a former gin distillery and bank headquarters, into a new art-led creative hub. The original buildings will be retained and seamlessly stitched together with a new ‘infill’ building. Two new floors will then be developed above, completing a juxtaposition of ‘old’ and ‘new’. AET worked with M&E consultants, and long-time supporters, Chapman BDSP who understood the application of AET’s UfAC systems and were aware of the numerous benefits they would bring. This close working history helped AET and Chapman BDSP to devise the optimal system layout for the Technique project.

A total of 25 CAM-C units (four per floor) will provide air conditioning to the building’s 5,000m² of office space set over five floors. The conditioned air will then be induced into the office space by AET’s unique and innovative, TU4 (EC) Fantile™ fan terminal units. These Fantile™ units are installed within the raised access floor, and thanks to their modular design can be reconfigured within minutes, making for a truly adaptable, fit-out friendly air conditioning solution. The AET underfloor air conditioning system, totally concealed within the raised-access floor, has given the architects, Buckley Gray Yeoman, far greater design freedom when it comes to the internal aesthetics of the building. The forward-thinking approach from Chapman BDSP in adopting the AET system has allowed the architects to redefine and reinvigorate this bold new redevelopment. The new extension, being built to link the two historical buildings, will be constructed wholly out of crosslaminated timber, which will release at least 50 per cent less carbon than if concrete had been used.

AET’s excellent energy credentials and the reduced volume of building materials required for an underfloor system contribute to the project’s sustainable design.

In addition, the system’s inherent flexibility will help to limit the buildings “churn rate”, further boosting its sustainable credentials, as well as reducing a new occupant’s fit out timeframes and costs. On completion in 2021, the fully refurbished development will offer 74,000 sq. ft of best-in-class, modern workspace and retail, over six storeys, to accommodate more than 850 people, as well as 5,000m² of affordable office space dedicated to SMEs.

PROJECT TEAM

  • Investor/Client: Northern and Midlands Holdings
  • Developer: General Projects
  • Architect: Buckley Gray Yeoman
  • M&E Consultant: Chapman BDSP
  • Quantity Surveyor: Quartz Project Services
  • Main Contractor: Graham Construction
  • M&E Contractor: Michael Nugent