Useful Studio have been commissioned by Workman LLP, on behalf of Hermes Investment Management, to design the refurbishment of a listed industrial building in the context of changing trends in workplace design and with an ambition to be an exemplar net zero listed building.

The estate is rooted in a legacy of bold and pioneering engineering and industry. This history, together with the sustainable commitments of Hermes Investment Management, inform the key themes of Legacy, Net Zero, Minimising Embodied and Operational Carbon, and Greening.

Hermes have invested a significant period of research, investigation and appraisal of their long term sustainability goals, particularly their alignment with global climate change targets.  A mixed mode ventilation strategy has been developed with 16 chimneys at roof level to provide passive ventilation and 500m2 of solar PV provide renewable energy.

We have taken a light touch approach to the refurbishment, reducing the existing layering and finishes to expose the heritage superstructure in the columns, beams and roof trusses. Extensive material reuse has been incorporated including doors, glazed partitions, raised floor tiles, radiators and ductwork.

We are targeting BREEAM Outstanding and an EPC A/B.