Balancing heritage conservation with carbon reduction is a challenge; one that was met with a pragmatic and intelligent response in the retrofit of The Waterman.

One of the largest heritage retrofits in Clerkenwell, The Waterman combines four industrial warehouses over 70,000 sqft into a single, modern-day workspace with distinct character. The buildings have been extensively retrofitted, resulting in an EPC A rated, market-ready space that aligns with modern occupier expectations.

In this panel the client, architect and contractor will explore the vision and execution of this complex project, and discuss the design and engineering strategies employed to create a high-quality, future-proofed workspace while enhancing the buildings’ heritage identity. These include:

• Improving the thermal envelope
• Securing additional massing/floorspace within a sensitive conservation context
• Unlocking flexibility, efficiency and accessibility in a load-bearing masonry structure
• All-electric MEP installation
• Reusing existing materials

How can we upgrade valuable historic buildings to meet workspace tenant expectations while respecting the distinct characteristics of place?