Ethical Property Company - the Green House

The project involves a 2-phase redevelopment of a BREEAM ‘excellent’-graded block of offices on Cambridge Heath Road in Bethnal Green. A whole life carbon approach to design significantly reduces both embodied and operational carbon. 

The first phase comprises the retention and transformation of most of the existing building into the Green House - a new, environmentally friendly, shared office space in line with the sustainability policies of The Ethical Property Company. The second phase includes the addition of a new building to the rear, to deliver versatility to the new office space. 

There is a strong emphasis on natural ventilation for the building, which is made possible through the addition of a double-skin façade to facilitate internal ventilation, consequently providing tenants with lower energy and operating costs. The structured extension to the rear will use prefabricated cross-laminated timber to create environmentally sustainable walls, roofs and floors; the retention of the existing building will be achieved by adding terraced timber structures to an existing renovated concrete frame. Chilled beams and MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) will also be used as a resilient strategy for comfort. 

Ultimately, the addition of a new floor will result in a 6-storey office block with limited impact on the environment through the maximised use of natural resources and renewable energies for a healthier, more creative workspace. Phase 1 of the Green House has been successfully completed and has welcomed its first tenants. The light and airy foyer has real bark surrounding the reception desk, in recognition of the building’s timber structure.

Winner of a 2019 AJ Retrofit Award for offices 5,000m² and over. The judges said: 'This is not just a niche CLT project or a thermal cladding solution. The architects have transformed the building into a civilised environment you'd want to spend time in.'