Westbourne Studios, London, UK

Westbourne Studios is an innovative u-shaped building sitting adjacent to the Westway motorway. It is home to circa 100 small businesses and features a variety of collaboration spaces and cafés.

With the base build completed in 2002, a number of the building’s ventilation systems were in need of modernisation to help improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality. The upgrades included new gas-fired air handling units (AHUs), upgraded kitchen and toilet extraction systems and make-up air systems.

The project offers a range of innovative engineering solutions designed to directly benefit users of the space through enhanced air quality and energy efficiency. By using high-efficiency two-stage filtration and positioning intake ducts away from the busy motorway, the design provides indoor air that is cleaner and healthier.

We replaced older air handling units with new ones that feature heat recovery technology, slashing gas consumption by about 70%. This measure helps our planet and significantly reduces heating costs. Additionally, the installation of high efficiency plug fans is aimed at further cutting operational costs and saving energy, making the space more sustainable and cost-effective.

To minimise disruptions and maintain reliability, we retained the existing electrical infrastructure and riser ductwork. This strategic choice helped us avoid unnecessary expenses and reduce downtime (a key Workspace goal). Modular plant design allowed for efficient onsite assembly, overcoming site-specific challenges such as space constraints that made the use of hoists or cranes impractical.

We also enhanced the space with advanced metering and local digital controls, improving the management of energy usage and facilitating better fault monitoring. This also provides a more responsive and adaptable environment, empowering Westbourne Studios’ tenants with greater control over their workspace conditions.