Architect and Builder April 2020 | Page 38

was installed on the lower levels and the upper penthouse levels. By moving the enclosed glazed penthouse walk ups from roof to penthouse level this increased daylighting, performance and mitigated the hot box effect. The hot water is generated with high COP heat pumps on the roof with capacity to add solar thermal in future. The ring main from centralised storage is highly insulated, not cast into any walls or concrete, wrapped in calico material and sealed with polymeric emulsion to ensure continuous insulation barrier to reduce operational losses. Hot and cold water is metered and sub metered in real time to detect any leaks. All services, water sanitary ware, lighting and equipment are of the 38 highest efficiency and energy ratings. Insulation was placed under all UFH mats throughout all floors. Finishes are low VOC with face-brick and off shutter concrete reducing embodied energy of plaster finishes and paint and aid future maintenance. To future proof the building the offices and mixed-use zones are open zones that have been dry walled to allow flexibility as needs change of the tenants. A well point has been sunk with allocated space for plantroom and water storage to be available later. Landscaping Given the location of the project, in a very urban and sometimes hostile environment for plants, The Signature