Bermondsey Square, London

Bermondsey Square is a mixed-use development that includes a boutique hotel, outdoor cinema, modern apartments, shops and open plan offices. It is set around a new landscaped square which provides the venue for the long established Bermondsey antiques market and a number of other regular outdoor events.

The scheme was funded by the Igloo Regeneration Fund and is a good example of how thoughtful urban regeneration can transform an area in a fashionable and sustainable manner, whilst remaining cost effective. The scheme’s return on investments is measured over the longer term, allowing an approach to design that can differ from that of developers focussed on shorter time horizons.

Approximately 2,500m² of multi-let office space is provided over five floors, with concrete frame construction up to first floor level, and the remaining levels comprising exposed hollowcore concrete flooring on a steel frame. The facade is timber clad and features a generous amount of glazing to maximise natural light. Cooling is provided by a combination of mechanical ventilation from an underfloor system and radiant cooling from the concrete soffit.

Evaporative cooling is also used to help regulate summertime performance of the ventilation system. Design calculations showed that this approach is able to provide free cooling from outdoor air for up to 85% of an average year, increasing to 95% for a cool summer. It is estimated that this will cut CO₂ emissions by around 60% compared to a conventional air-conditioned office.

Emissions are further reduced by the 100% provision of cycle storage for the offices and apartments, with no additional car parking provided, except four spaces for use by a car club. A centralised energy centre provides heat to the development; each apartment has a small heat exchanger that links to the centre.

The commercial space achieved a BREEAM rating of ‘Very Good’ and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of ‘B’. The apartments achieved an EPC rating of ‘A’ for energy efficiency. One of the residential blocks was designed to Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes and has 10% of its energy demand met by on site renewables.