WSP

Delivering a High-Performance Sustainable Workplace

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This was a complex project involving the complete redesign and replacement of the building’s engineering systems (resulting in energy savings > 65%). Acting as the Employers Agent, Aura formed an essential part of the client team assisting WSP to successfully navigate the construction programme.

Matthew Wherry (Head of Corporate Real Estate for WSP)

Spec

Brief

WSP, a leading multi-disciplinary consultancy, engaged Aura Consulting to oversee the refurbishment of their London headquarters at 70 Chancery Lane. The project aimed to transform the office into a highly sustainable, all-electric workspace that would showcase WSP’s own expertise in low-carbon building design.

The works involved a full strip-out and refit of the 55,000 sqft space, transitioning from gas heating to a fully electric HVAC system. The project also required careful coordination between WSP as the tenant and the landlord, as both parties had vested interests in the outcome.

Challenges

Contractor Administration Risks – ISG, the main contractor, entered administration at the end of the project. Through effective contract management, Aura retained access to ISG’s supply chain, allowing critical works to continue and ensuring project completion.

Cultural Challenges – As a firm operating in the same industry, WSP was highly engaged in the design process. Managing stakeholder input while maintaining project momentum was a key challenge.

Sustainability Targets – The project aimed to reduce the building’s energy consumption by two-thirds and achieve NABERS 4* accreditation, requiring a meticulous approach to system design and implementation.

Planning Complexity – Located on the boundary of Camden, City of London, and Westminster, the project required coordination with multiple planning authorities, each with distinct requirements.

Highlights

Sustainability Leadership – The office was converted to a fully electric building, with a high-performance HVAC system incorporating heat pumps and free cooling for 80% of the year.

Energy Efficiency – The refurbishment resulted in a two-thirds reduction in energy consumption, reinforcing WSP’s commitment to sustainability and serving as a showcase for their clients.

Future-Focused Workplace – The refurbishment introduced high-spec client spaces, technology-rich collaboration zones, and flexible work areas designed for hybrid working.

Resilient Project Delivery – Despite the late-stage collapse of the main contractor, the project was successfully completed by leveraging supplier relationships and maintaining strict commercial oversight.

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