Coworking: Evolution of the workplace by cundallglobal

Coworking: Evolution of the workplace

About Cundall

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Coworking: Evolution of the workplace

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We are an international multi-disciplinary consultancy, operating from 25 locations across the globe. With sustainability at the heart of everything we do, our team of engineers delivers innovative, sustainable design solutions to address the projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s whole life cycle.

We expect our engineers to consider the implications of their design for every project as a whole, as well as commenting on wider environmental issues across disciplines. We routinely design to LEED, BREEAM and Green Star standards, and our approach is always to look for those wider implications. This goes beyond simply meeting the requirements for benchmarking credits, while also acknowledging that these are important as a minimum requirement. We are also the world’s first consultancy to be formally endorsed as a One Planet Company by sustainability charity Bioregional.

Our mission is to play a key role in making buildings more energy-efficient, sustainable and cost-effective to operate. Every project is an opportunity to make a positive difference and challenge ourselves to develop solutions tailored to our clients’ requirements. We achieve this by listening, collaborating and using our local and global expertise. Whether we are focused on cost, programme or reduction in environmental impact, we look for options that will bring client benefit. We encourage innovation at every turn, but understand this shouldn’t come at the expense of functionality.

A priority of all our projects is building strong relationships with our client and design team, based on open communication and Partner involvement throughout. Because of this, the vast majority of our work is repeat business. This produces better project outcomes, as everyone involved has a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities. These close relationships foster easy communication and also bring ownership of the entire project, which helps forge a one-team culture to review pre-conceived ideas, share risk and overcome challenges. Crucially, it also makes projects more enjoyable for everyone working on them. Aside from our high level of repeat business, our leadership skills are demonstrated by the awards we have won for our performance, including the Leadership and People Development Award at the National Constructing Excellence Awards. Other recent awards include Building of Year at the AJ100 Awards 2018; CIBSE Yorkshire Commercial and Industrial Project of the Year 2018; and Large Project - Most Innovative Project at the IStructE Structural Awards 2018.

950+

2020

1976

OFFICES GLOBALLY

PEOPLE WORLDWIDE

ZERO CARBON

ESTABLISHED

50+

35+

1st

500+

COUNTRIES PROJECTS DELIVERED IN

LANGUAGES

ONE PLANET COMPANY

AWARDS WON

Coworking: Evolution of the workplace

Core services

Building services engineering

Civil engineering

We offer an end-to-end service, extending from initial planning to construction fit-out, plus lifetime facilities management.

Civil engineering is one of our core services and covers all sectors of the construction industry. We help to create, improve and protect the environment in which we live. We provide facilities for day-to-day life, and for transport and industry to function effectively.

Our mission is to help design sustainable buildings which are more energy efficient and cost-effective to operate. Integration with our in-house civil and structural engineering and specialist teams enables us to devise the best possible solutions to ensure our clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; buildings are holistic, sustainable and futureproof. Our approach is focused on offering best value by: analysing client needs, considering possible design options and delivering the most appropriate solution for location, development and budget.

We work closely with project teams and stakeholders to ensure project deliverables and goals are exceeded, while also providing sustainable solutions.

Structural engineering

Sustainability

We provide structural engineering design services with our renowned analytical creativity and ingenuity. As a result, we have a high level of repeat clients. To deliver maximum value to our clients, we aim to be involved in projects from the very outset, which allows us to contribute to the development of fully integrated solutions.

We are positioned at the forefront of sustainability in the built environment. This is because we take a refreshingly positive approach to engineering design, fostering collaboration and creativity. We are driven by the consideration of people.

This creates the greatest benefit and minimises the risk to budget and programme. Our approach is to use 3D modelling and parametric software to assist with integration on all our projects.

We help each client identify both the constraints placed on development by regulatory requirements and site conditions and the opportunities that can be created through practical and innovative design.

Coworking: Evolution of the workplace

We know going green and commercial pragmatism can happily co-exist, and use this knowledge on all our projects. We provide a service to suit all aspirations, as we are familiar with the latest energy and environmental legislation, green ratings and delivering zero carbon buildings.

Specialist services

Acoustics

Air quality

Building automation

Building Information Management (BIM)

Building Performance Services (BPS)

CDM consultancy

Fire engineering

Geotechnical engineering

Health and wellbeing

IT and audio visual (AV)

Lighting design

Planning consultancy

Security consultancy

Transportation

Vertical transportation

Coworking: Evolution of the workplace

Introduction The demand for coworking and other flexible workspaces has grown rapidly in recent years. This is driven by changes in the ways people work with an increased appetite for less rigid and more flexible working arrangements, which are made possible by rapidly advancing technology. Financial pressures and a wish to reduce the burden of office leases are also driving growth in the sector. Companies are looking for flexibility and agility in their office space by ‘outsourcing’ the provision of their office accommodation. This is particularly the case for smaller business and start-ups. Digital creativity is the key to many modern businesses and to excel in this field they need to attract and retain skilled people. Businesses are looking into flexible working spaces to provide a creative environment, where their staff can work in different ways with opportunities for social interaction and collaboration. Whilst serviced office accommodation has been in the market for many years, this traditional model is becoming less appealing to modern occupiers. In addition to simple office accommodation, modern occupiers are wanting office spaces that have communal areas, meeting spaces, event spaces, break out areas as well as facilities such as gyms, cafés and cyclist facilities. Modern coworking providers are responding to this by developing an offering based on user experience.

Coworking: Evolution of the workplace

WeWork has been the most prolific taker of space across Central London between 2012 -2017 leasing in excess of 2.5million ft² and in 2017 all flexible workspace providers have taken over 21% of office space in Central London. Source: Cushman & Wakefield

ÂŠ Overbury Plc

There are over 2,800 companies across the UK that include flexible office space as part of their portfolio. Some of these are established national or international coworking providers and others are investors and developers that have created their own coworking concepts. Coworking providers regularly take significant leases within speculative office developments and are increasingly seen as a key tenant in the market. Increasingly, investors and developers are beginning to recognise the importance of this and are designing proportions of new developments that can accommodate a coworking provider. Provision of coworking spaces presents a series of technical challenges to a conventional office development. Cundall have experience of working with coworking providers to develop and refine their technical specification and requirements across their entire portfolio. When working for a landlord or developer we are able to bring this in depth knowledge of a coworking providerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business to critically appraise the projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brief.

Coworking: Evolution of the workplace

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Cundall team really understand the challenges of creating great workspaces in modern high quality Coworking spaces. Their depth of knowledge has enabled us to provide excellent working environments for our coworking buildings incorporating sustainability and the principles of the WELL building standard whilst controlling costs. The higher density requirements of a coworking space often need an alternative approach to meet the ventilation/cooling requirements particularly when taking on a CAT A finished building.

Coworking: Evolution of the workplace

The depth of the Cundall team, with the various specialisms, works extremely well when looking at potential assets. It is often the electrical power requirements and the fire strategy as well as the ventilation provision that can be a major consideration to the viability of progressing with a project. Cundall’s advice has enabled very early decisions to be made on progressing with a building before incurring substantial fees with a design team”. Russell Durling, Head of Development and Architectural Design, FORA (June 2019)

Coworking: Evolution of the workplace

Flexibility

FORA Borough London, UK

Coworking spaces need to be flexible to reflect what their customers want and need. Each building requires offices of varying sizes to cater for a range of customer sizes and to flex to suit market trends. Spaces need to be easily adaptable to accommodate quick changes to layouts if and when required during construction or operation. Cundall are aware that careful siting of MEP equipment and a strategy for the easy relocation of portioning systems, for example modular partitioning systems, are key to allowing this to happen. Challenging existing industry standards and usual norms can also assist with flexibility and reducing cost and time of layout changes; for example removing light switches and clipping cables to the ceiling to avoid containment. Wireless control systems such as Bluetooth lighting rather than hard wired systems can further assist. A ‘plug and play’ strategy for connection of desks and tables to the underfloor power and data infrastructure allows rapid relocation of furniture when required. Meeting rooms need to be flexible and operate in various scenarios such as seminars and formal meetings where the IT and AV systems need to be designed accordingly. Meeting rooms often include for folding partitions to allow their size to be changed and opened up to cater for large events. Cundall recognise the acoustic performance of movable partitions is critical.

Coworking: Evolution of the workplace

Early dialogue with the architect and coworking provider agreed positions for likely future cellularisation and sub-division. This allowed a degree of flexibility to be built into the scheme whilst avoiding the unnecessary costs associated with a fully flexible installation. Once agreed, MEP equipment was positioned accordingly and a detail developed with the architect to install the partition bulkhead as part of the initial works allowing rapid future re-location of partitions with no changes to the installed MEP services. Images © Overbury Plc

Occupancy Density

FORA Borough London, UK

The typical occupation density for coworking spaces can be up to 1 person per 4mÂ˛, well beyond the usual office design parameters. Cundall is aware of the challenges of this occupancy density on the design of office spaces and works to minimise the impact. These include;

Ventilation Typical coworking briefs can require around 50% additional ventilation above a standard Grade A office. By considering utilisation of the office spaces and the introduction of variable volume CO2 control on the ventilation systems, Cundall have been able to reduce the ventilation requirements by 25%, reducing the amount of plant and riser space required.

Electrical Demand Increased occupancy levels means more work spaces and additional power requirements. Cundall are able to critique the design brief and apply knowledge from previous monitoring of desk power loads to minimise any additional electrical demand.

The agreement of anticipated occupancy profiles and work patterns with the coworking operator early in the process allowed for the application of diversity to the system. This, along with sensing and variable air volume control to move air to where it was required allowed the size of the MEP equipment to reduce. Not only did this reduce capital costs, it also allowed the MEP plant to fit within the roof plant area and ductwork to fit in the risers, both of which had originally been designed to more conventional occupancy densities. Images ÂŠ Overbury Plc

Water and Toilets Coworking schemes result in additional people within the building. This can lead to the requirement for additional toilets as well as additional cold water storage capacity. Careful application of expected utilisation profiles can minimise the impact of this.

Coworking: Evolution of the workplace

WeWork at No. 1 Poultry London, UK

Occupancy Density Lifts Traditionally lift performance criteria are determined based on the guidance provided by the British Council for Offices (BCO) with population densities of circa 1 person per 10m2 and even up to 1 person per 14m2 in existing buildings. The demands of coworking see population densities well beyond these criteria, placing greater demand on the lift system. Cundall’s lift engineers are able to assess likely performance of lift installations in a coworking office and give advice if an acceptable performance level is likely to be achieved. In existing office buildings this often takes the form of undertaking measured performance assessment of the existing lifts and assessing the lift performance under the increased demands of coworking. From here we can develop solutions to improve the existing lift provisions or upgrade the lift equipment to increase the performance level.

Fire Strategy The BCO recommends that the occupancy density used for developing the fire strategy is 1 person per 6m² and typical coworking occupancy exceeds this. For new build, this can be factored in but for coworking spaces in existing buildings, the existing exit widths can be the limiting factor on occupant density. Cundall’s fire engineers can develop strategies for overcoming this, but it needs to be considered early in the design process.

Coworking: Evolution of the workplace

Cundall’s fire engineers developed a strategy using compartmentation of the floors that allowed an effective doubling of the capacity of the stairs to meet the occupancy requirements of the coworking provider. Images © WeWork

Cundall acoustic lab and Cundall VAR London, UK

Acoustics Coworking is neither cellular or open plan – it’s both. Individual tenancies (typically 4 to 40 person) co-exist in their cellular spaces, divided from other tenancies but all sharing common break-out and amenity areas. It is possible that direct competitors could occupy adjacent lettable spaces, therefore acoustic privacy is important. Within each tenancy there is a need for collaboration between workers. Because partitions between offices actually divide tenancies, this places a higher importance for speech privacy and security than would normally be provided within the same tenancy; for this reason proprietary speech masking systems are often used to provide additional privacy. Occupancy density within the individual tenancies are often higher than would normally be expected in a single tenancy development, up to 1 person per 4 m2; this poses challenges with concentration and privacy. There is often a requirement for future flexibility, meaning partitions could be demountable than traditional plasterboard on metal studs. Within the shared amenity spaces, conditions need to be appropriate for collaboration as well as concentration, but with a ‘buzz’ that is unique to these social forms of workspaces.

Cundall’s customised acoustic lab in our London office allowed us to auralise (computer-generated audio predictions) and demonstrate the acoustic performance of a variety of partition types and room finishes. By doing this we were able to demonstrate that a lower performance partition between the office and adjacent corridor would be acceptable, limiting the higher performance (and more expensive) partitions to dividing walls between individual offices. Cundall’s innovative Virtual Acoustic Reality (VAR) technology was also used to demonstrate the effects of a variety of acoustic treatments within a large open plan restaurant area linked to a coworking space, allowing the most cost effective solution to be adopted. VAR is a ground-breaking solution, originally developed by Cundall back in 2016, which uses technology to place designers and clients in a 4-D virtual space during the design phase. Using an Oculus Rift headset and a set of headphones users can be immersed in a virtual visual and acoustic world allowing the user to view a site while listening to how sound will behave, and vary, throughout a space. This gave the coworking provider an accurate experience of what their prospective space would be like and the ability to make informed decisions on the interior design.

Many coworking developments include events spaces, either for use by tenants or for external rental. There is significant potential for disturbing tenants and/or local residents and consideration needs to be given to mitigation measures early in the design process. Similarly, the impact of gyms, studios and wellness areas on the wider development need to be taken into consideration. Food and beverage offerings often also form part of the developments, which if open directly into working areas, can pose acoustic challenges. Coworking: Evolution of the workplace

Landmark House Manchester. UK Landmark is a 180,000 sq.ft, 14-storey building offering grade A office space within Manchesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Civic Quarter, an area which is undergoing transformational change as part of the Manchester City Council Regeneration Framework. The team ensured that although designing to Category A standard, there was adequate flexibility incorporated into the servicing strategy to accommodate future tenant requirements. Dedicated Category B risers, with associated external plant space for tenant use, have been incorporated. It was essential that detailed load calculations were undertaken very early on in the design to confirm utility upgrades were not required, which would have impacted on both cost and program. Using experience from previous projects and local knowledge of the workplace sector were key to understanding the load requirements. Images ÂŠ Castlebrooke Investments

Coworking: Evolution of the workplace

Enabling the digital workplace Cundall understand the challenges coworking operators face in creating exciting, relevant, differentiating spaces for their tenants. We respond with the technology solutions that fulfil the requirements of start-ups, SMEs and corporates, helping operators attract and retain tenants, whilst helping them learn where their next investment should be made.

Connected | providing mobility From building due diligence through to ‘in operation’, high speed internet connectivity has never been more important to tenants. With extensive experience in WiredScore (the de facto standard for building connectivity) we optimise a building’s score to make it more attractive to potential coworking operators. Tenants experience this value immediately through instant, pervasive connectivity, be it wired, Wi-Fi or mobile phone, and in the case of corporates, easy installation of their own dedicated telecoms services and IT equipment.

Journey to work

App use - Day starts/ends CLIENTS OPERATIONS STAFF

Convenient | maximising flexibility Self-provisioning of services such desk, workspace, meeting room and facilities booking makes tenants feel in control of their environment and actively reduces facilities and space management overheads. We extend this philosophy into meeting spaces where the audio visual control systems can alter environmental conditions such as room temperature and lighting whilst recalling user preferences and providing guidance, reducing help-desk requests. With device-agnostic platforms, the room welcomes whatever laptop or tablet the user brings. When rolled out across multiple sites, the technology learning curve is substantially reduced and no longer a barrier to a user achieving what they need to.

Optimised | delivering productivity As coworking providers grow, they are increasingly looking for space utilisation and people flow systems which capture data to inform their next design and optimise their portfolio. The tenant also derives value by being provided with relevant spaces, having the flexibility to explore new work environments and understanding how they impact productivity.

Reception

Breakfast/kitchen area Cl

Stu Op

SStta

St St

Training courses

Room bookings

Cl Op

SStta

StOup

Events space

CONNECTED Desk/Hot desking

DIGITAL WORKPLACE

Mindful space Op Cl

Breakout and collaboration spaces

Op St

Gym Lunch/Canteen

Meeting rooms

OPTIMISED

CONVENIENT

Acoustically isolated phone booths

One example of visualising RIBA Stages 1- 2 to create holistic workplace experience

Coworking: Evolution of the workplace

Health & Wellbeing Health and Wellbeing Our environment has a direct impact on our wellbeing as we spend up to 90% of our lives indoors. The key to delivering a sustainable development is to provide environments which promote and enhance the health and wellbeing of the building occupants so that they can flourish. Our research demonstrates that in healthy office environments, productivity increases, absenteeism reduces and concentration improves. Cundall is passionate about improving the way we live, work and is committed to delivering spaces that enhance the occupant’s health and quality of life.

The WELL Building Standard® Cundall delivered the first project in Europe to achieve the WELL Building Standard®, a goal intended to put the health and wellbeing of occupants at the heart of the design. The WELL Building Standard® is a performancebased system for measuring, certifying, and monitoring features of the built environment that impact human health and wellbeing, through air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort and mind. Our WELL Accredited Professionals™ are working with our clients to help them embed wellbeing into their designs and in a number of instances achieve WELL certification for their projects. We can offer advice and guidance based on our experience in delivering the WELL Standard. We are in a unique position, having successfully delivered multiple WELL-certified schemes, including the first WELL Platinum coworking scheme for the Crown Estate. This gives us an unrivalled depth of knowledge in the WELL Building Standard™ and the delivery of healthy workplaces.

Fitwel Ambassadors Fitwel is a certification scheme designed to optimise occupant health and productivity within the office environment, regardless of size, age or location of the building facilities. There are no mandatory requirements and only features that are applicable are assessed against seven key health impact categories; impacts community health; reduces morbidity and absenteeism; supports social equality for vulnerable populations; instils feelings of well-being; provides healthy food options; promotes occupant safety; and increases physical activity. Cundall was one of the first adopters of Fitwel in the UK and became Fitwel Ambassadors as part of the first global batch of ambassadors. We are ideally positioned to support design teams through the assessment process to attain certification.

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) An increasing body of research is highlighting that poor indoor environmental quality has an ongoing impact on occupant productivity as well as a longterm impact on health. The issues associated with poor performance, such as pollutants and temperature are largely invisible. Relying on occupant feedback on perceived problems is not reliable and issues such as thermal comfort and air quality are frequently confused. Monitoring and testing is the most effective

Coworking: Evolution of the workplace

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Productivity Mapping: A productive workplace enables people to perform at their best. Many offices are designed to British Council of Offices (BCO) standards but do they all deliver the same levels of productivity? Even on the same floor plate there can be significant differences in the levels of comfort between adjacent zones. Productivity Mapping is a new methodology for assessing and visualising how effective a floor plate is at supporting productive working. 1. Views and Cundall has undertaken an daylighting extensive productivity loss review of academic research papers 2. Annual productivity loss which link occupant performance test fit comparison - 6 % with environmentaldifference parameters, = £360,000 p.a. including referencing the recent work on productivity commissioned by the BCO. These metrics are the basis of the productivity tool.

Within a specialist model, the occupant performance metrics are linked with environmental parameters such as temperature, CO2 or daylighting at each desk position across a floor plate.

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Views and daylighting productivity loss

Applications include:

Annual productivity loss test fit comparison

Design Optimisation Massing studies Optimising storey heights and depth ratios Refining refurbishment layouts and plans Architectural test fits Environmental/HVAC system selection Façade optimisation

In-situ Building Review (IEQube) Due diligence surveys This allows the tool to quickly way of determining how well spaces are performing and likely to support Trouble shooting predict the loss of productivity at any occupant productivity. Cundall has implemented a new Indoor Environmental Lease and rent reviews workstation. Quality (IEQ) monitoring and problem-solving service. Supporting our focus on the PreWELL and post occupancy improved occupant wellbeing, implementing Building Standardstudies and The data allows the tool to calculate development of real time sensors to optimise the environmental performance of an aggregate of productivity, spaces. Byloss knowing there is an issue, we can find a solution. which, when combined with the *Cundall developed IEQube (Indoor salaryProductivity costs of the occupier, provides Environmental Mapping: Making the businessQuality) casesensors to monitor an assessment of the financial loss the indoor environment of spaces for wellbeing associated with poor performing with the aim of improving occupancy 90% of the costs of a business is associated with their staff. A 1% improvement spaces. wellbeing and productivity. in productivity can equate to savings of hundreds of thousands or millions of pounds. Research has shown that workplace environments significantly The tool hasonbeen designed be impact productivity andto wellbeing. Studies from Harvard and Oxford usedBrookes at everyuniversities stage of aindicating building’s life impact on productivity based on a a 20% cycle.range of environmental factors, such as CO2 concentrations, thermal, visual and acoustic comfort. In light of this, we have created a tool which quantifies how indoor environmental quality (IEQ), such as temperature, CO2 levels and daylight supports occupant productivity and helps optimise it. This tool can be used in any stage of a building’s life cycle; from technical due diligence studies to optimising architectural test fits and space planning designs to enable an organisation to perform at its full potential.

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6 % difference = £360,000 p.a.

Project Sunrise 42

Coworking: Evolution of the workplace

04/04/2019

Innovation Innovation is commonplace at Cundall and we often do not realise we are innovating until after the solution is adopted. Our design approach incorporates innovation as part of best practice and continuous improvement. This encourages our employees to challenge standard thinking and instinctively propose new solutions to our projects. Ideas are also developed along their natural curve and the process becomes one of logic, not a forced attempt to be different for the sake of it.

Plants Not Plant We hosted a series of seminars called Plants Not Plant for the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). The seminars were led by one of our Sustainability Partners, Alan Fogarty, and were successful in educating the industry on how adding plants to work areas can improve air quality. This approach also minimises the energy associated with building plant facilities, systems and equipment to reduce carbon emissions. The content for these seminars was developed through research undertaken by Cundall employees in our offices. We identified the species of plants needed and located these in a meeting room along with measuring equipment. By creating a green lab in our new office, we continue to demonstrate how the use of natural plant life is not just an aesthetic, but that it increases air quality and reduces carbon emissions. Our research shows that when used in conjunction with a ventilation system whose output is dependent upon the CO2 levels, there will be a 20-30% reduction of ventilation energy.

Coworking: Evolution of the workplace

If someone says, “why weren’t we doing this already?”, we know we’ve hit upon something good.

Cundall IEQube® We developed a low cost, low energy, robust, wireless, cloud based, multi-node, multi-sensor (lux, temperature, humidity, VOCs, CO2, PM2.5 etc.) monitoring network, using cheap, commonly available electronic components, a ‘cloud’ database and real-time dashboard display. The initial intent of the project was as validation for daylight and thermal simulations with the intention of comparing measured data from our own offices to that of simulations. As the project has progressed, the scope of the sensors has shifted from verification of simulations to verification of WELL standards. The current revision of the sensor monitors and displays air quality in real time, as well as storing all recorded data which we are using to meet the environmental monitoring credits for our own offices.

Engineering beauty Using innovative design techniques and working with world class designers our teams create beauty. A great example is the creation of a new interconnecting staircase in our Birmingham office, where our structural, sustainability and lighting teams worked together with the architect to create this masterpiece. For most of the visitors to the office, the real talking point is the way the staircase acts as the centre piece of the office. We have had both clients and competitors comment on the staircase – not only on how functional and sustainable it is, but how aesthetically pleasing. Because of this, multiple clients have asked if they can have a similarly structured staircase made from the same natural birch plywood timber.

Coworking: Evolution of the workplace

Innovation Human-centric lighting For over 15 years now we have known that light plays a significant role in our circadian system (our body clock). Light can reset our body clock and make us more alert whilst an absence of light can support our sleep. A correctly functioning body clock is a critical element in our health and wellbeing. Enjoying and experiencing daylight with its full rich spectrum of light is by far the best way to support our health and wellbeing through light. However where this is not possible there are lighting design techniques and lighting products which used together could support the function of our body clock. Whilst the lighting industry has not formally agreed on the terminology for such lighting techniques, you will hear phrases such as Circadian Lighting Design, Human Centric Lighting, Biodynamic Lighting, Tuneable White and the most recent is Integrative Lighting. For the Sainsburys Digital Lab we were provided with a basement space with very little daylight. Our response was to provide tuneable white light onto the soffit where the morning and evening light would be warm (3000K), whilst the midday light would be cool (6500K). This gave the soffit the appearance of a natural sky in that the colour temperature shifted through the day and also in that the soffit was well illuminated. The functional lighting was then fixed at 4000K. The judges who visited the scheme commented ‘it feels like a daylit space, we still feel connected to the time of day and natural environment’. The project won ‘workplace lighting project of the year’ in 2015.

Coworking: Evolution of the workplace

Climate Positive Action Reducing whole carbon footprints beyond zero.

Zero Carbon Energy Making buildings and infrastructure energy efficient and supplying all energy from renewables.

Materials and Supply Chain Reducing material consumption and using products from sustainable sources with transparent and ethical supply chains.

Health and Wellbeing Encouraging active, social, meaningful lives and providing the buildings, infrastructure and spaces to support good health and wellbeing.

Climate Change Adaptation Designing buildings and infrastructure to be resilient and responsive to climate change.

Ethics and Equity Creating ethical and equitable places to live and work.

Beyond Report As an aspect of the business’ One Planet Company endorsement from Bioregional, a global team of sustainability and engineering professionals were tasked to develop a tool that would allow everyone in the business to quickly and easily infuse our four cornerstones of sustainability into every project that we are working on. A tool was developed that, through the click of a few buttons, can generate a project specific, One Planet Action Plan (OPAP) for the client – the “Beyond Report”. It is expected that this will increase our reputation as leaders in sustainability, educate all staff about aspects of sustainability previously unconsidered, and positively influence our project, clients and the environments & communities that they are built in. Our commitment includes bringing one planet living principles to all our projects – our method of delivery is the “Beyond Report”. The challenge is how this could be achieved simply without increasing the time and effort spent on each project, which would draw away from time and fee needed to be spent on our appointed scope. This is a significant challenge, given that developing a One Planet Living Action Plan (OPAP) is a scope item we normally charge specific, and often significant fees for. The principal innovation in the process is that such a tool has never been developed before, whether by Bioregional, a certified project or company, or any private entity.

Coworking: Evolution of the workplace

FORA Borough London, UK FORA Borough is the fit-out of a newly constructed commercial office and retail space. FORA will manage the development when complete to provide professional coworking office and meeting spaces on a flexible basis. A number of high street retail units are also included on the site. The development includes a restaurant at ground floor level (including a full commercial kitchen at lower ground floor area) as well as five floors of high quality coworking office and meeting space. The upper floor also includes a flexible event space. A complete IT and audiovisual installation will be provided through the development allowing tenants to simply ‘plug and play’ upon arrival. Cundall developed a complex IT, lighting control, audiovisual, security and access control brief into a fully integrated solution. This included the incorporation of environmental and lighting controls into the meeting room audiovisual controller.

Coworking: Evolution of the workplace

A CO2 controlled ventilation system allows an overall diversity to be applied to the central plant by moving air to where it is required. This reduced the overall energy consumption as well as the size of the mechanical plant required. The project achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating with an EPC of B. The shell and core structure included lift shafts, but no lifts were installed. Cundall’s VT team worked within the constraints of the existing building to develop a specification to meet the client’s requirements. Cundall then carried out a negotiated procurement of a lift contractor prior to the appointment of the main contractor. The lift contractor was novated and Cundall remained client side. Cundall monitored the process of installation on behalf of the client, checking compliance and supporting the main contractor with any issues which arose.

The team continued to be involved in the project to handover and the building going into operation. In 2017 Cundall assisted FORA in creating mechanical, electrical and acoustics design principles. This took into consideration brand and fitout guidelines for the company. Cundall was asked to review these principles in 2018 to include an IT/AV strategy. Cundall have since acted as technical advisors on a number of FORA schemes.

Client FORA Sector Workplace Value Confidential Completion date 2018 Architect Hassell Services Building services, fire engineering, sustainability, acoustics and vertical transportation Awards Innovation Award, BCO 2019 London Regional Awards Images © Overbury Plc

FORA Soho London, UK Located in the heart of Soho, 33 Broadwick Street provides high quality flexible coworking office accommodation in a vibrant part of London’s West End. In addition to office space, the building tenants will have access to meeting rooms, lounges and event spaces. Radio broadcast studio and podcast recording booths sit alongside the office space. Cundall provided mechanical and electrical engineering, lift consultancy and acoustic consultancy services. The design included exposed services which is in line with FORA’s corporate branding and style. This meant that careful coordination was needed to provide a functioning system that met the aesthetic aspirations for the space as well as maximising the clear heights in the space.

The Cundall team assisted in procuring existing services surveys at the outset of the project. This allowed us to identify services that could be retained and re-used minimising both cost and programme. As a result of these surveys, it was identified that new heating, cooling and ventilation plant were required to achieve the client’s brief. Cundall worked closely with the architect to coordinate and fit this new plant within the existing plant enclosure. As part of this, Cundall designed a CO2 controlled ventilation system to reduce the overall capacity of the ventilation plant. Cundall was able to avoid the need for a new planning submission which would have significantly extended the project programme.

The existing building included two retail units which continued to trade throughout the works. The Cundall team worked closely with the retail tenants to relocate their heating and cooling plant and to change their source of electrical power with minimal disruption to their operation. Cundall implemented FORA’s design principles throughout providing full IT/AV systems to all areas.

Client FORA Sector Workplace Value Confidential Completion date 2019 Architect Stiff & Trevillion Services Building services, acoustics, lift consultancy Images © Stiff + Trevillion

Coworking: Evolution of the workplace

FORA Reading Reading, UK Located opposite Reading train station, FORA Reading provides a professional flexible workspace for companies wishing to rent desks and spaces from a month up to a fiveyear period. Cundall provided mechanical and electrical engineering services to three floors of this existing building. Design included exposed services which is in line with FORA’s corporate branding and style. This meant that careful coordination was needed to provide a functioning system as well as one that would be aesthetically pleasing for the environment. To maximise celling height to the new meeting room, Cundall engineers had to find the right balance to overcome the large structural beam supporting the building whilst providing the height needed for the room. Surveys of the existing building as well as careful positioning of the fan coil units allowed this to be achieved. The Cundall team worked with manufacturers to investigate re-use and re-distribution of existing fan coil

Coworking: Evolution of the workplace

units and light fittings. This resulted in reduced waste and cost saving as well as maximising capacity in the open plan area. Cundall worked with the building owner to agree a package of works to upgrade the existing plant to deliver the ventilation air required. This upgrade, along with the provision of a CO2 controlled ventilation system, avoided the cost and complexity of providing a new ventilation system. Works were carried out on a live building, meaning that sequencing needed to be taken into consideration to allow a smooth commissioning process.

Cundall implemented FORA’s design principles throughout providing full IT/AV systems to all areas and high quality lighting installations to ensure a hotel-style service is provided to all tenants.

Client FORA Sector Workplace Value Confidential Completion date 2018 Architect Piercy + Company Services Building services, acoustics and fire engineering Images © FORA

3-6 Spring Place London, UK

3-6 Spring Place is a 4,500m² new build office development for FORA. FORA are a high quality coworking office space provider who have reimagined the office experience by incorporating premium hotel-style service and design and innovative technology into their buildings. The building is constructed on two sides of a live railway viaduct and has connectivity through the brick arches at ground floor. Individual office ‘labs’ sit beneath the railway arches creating a unique work place. A package of enabling works was undertaken to clear the existing buildings from the site and relocate an electrical substation prior to the main works commencing. The development includes a café and bar at ground floor level, an event space with tiered seating and five floors of high quality coworking office and meeting space. A complete IT and audiovisual installation will be provided through the development allowing tenants to simply ‘plug and play’ upon arrival. Cundall developed a complex IT, lighting control, audiovisual, security and access control brief into a fully integrated solution. This included the incorporation of environmental and lighting controls into the meeting room audiovisual controller. A CO2 controlled ventilation system allows an overall diversity to be applied to the central plant by moving air to where it is required. This reduced the overall energy consumption as well as the size of the mechanical plant required. The project is targeted to achieve a BREEAM 2014 Excellent rating with an EPC of B.

Client FORA Sector Workplace Value Confidential Completion date On hold Architect Piercy & Company Services Building Services, Vertical Transportation, Sustainability Awards Best Unbuilt Workspace, New London Awards 2017 Images © Piercy & Company

Coworking: Evolution of the workplace

Vox Studios London, UK Located in Vauxhall, this former Marmite factory has been developed by Workspace to provide high specification private studios and communal breakout spaces. The refurbished space boasts state of the art meeting rooms and facilities to attract start-up companies and those who wish to take advantage of a flexible lease in a creative atmosphere. The scheme includes amenity spaces for the tenants such as a new entrance, cafĂŠ, meeting space and private studio facilities, together with landscaping to encourage a busy and creative atmosphere. Cundall was appointed to carry out building services, civil and structural engineering and vertical transportation for the refurbishment of two existing buildings and design for the new development that creates the complex. The civil and structural team designed the new six floor building with a concrete frame and with the addition of a lightweight steel frame for the mezzanine level.

Coworking: Evolution of the workplace

The desired aesthetic look for the floors was achieved by using exposed insitu reinforced concrete slabs with the additional benefit of providing thermal mass to assist with tempering the internal environment. The structural design allows for internal partitions needed for sub-dividing the space and the future flexibility specified for the building. This involved extensive liaison with the architect and client. Part way through the design process the client wanted to incorporate a floor that can be totally open plan and the design team modified the design to allow this flexibility.

Refurbishment of the existing two buildings involved the structural team stripping them back to the frames. A full understanding of the building construction was necessary so that the structure could be strengthened where needed. Material sampling was carried out to provide strength data to assist with the relocation of a corridor and guide the team to where localised remedial works were needed. Cundallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s building services team designed ventilation systems utilising MVHRs with heating and cooling provided by VRF systems for each structural bay. This allowed for flexibility and future tenants needs.

Central services for toilets were taken into consideration for the new building which featured hot and coldwater storage. Each building also has its own plant separation so not to affect the functionality of the other buildings if there was a disruption in service as well as having an electrical substation for each building. The development also featured a kitchen which was centrally ventilated and set up with its own gas and electrical services to allow the franchise to be billed for utilities and avoid extra cost for tenants and the client. Our in-house acoustic team were appointed to carry out construction noise monitoring and management services. This involved remote noise monitoring with automated alerts that were sent to the site manager if the noise exceeded agreed levels at the nearby school boundary. The team also gave advice and carried out surveys to assist at the planning stage. The team set noise limits for externally mounted equipment and checked these were complied with.

The team then produced reports to demonstrate that the planning requirements for the scheme had been met.

The team also carried out final inspections of both lifts with the client and architect once the project was complete.

Cundall’s vertical transportation team were engaged with the refurbishment of the two existing buildings which contained two goods lifts. Services included advice regarding the removal of one lift and the repurpose of the lift shaft into a dry riser together with the full survey of the second lift and lift shaft. Traffic analysis calculations were carried out using the new building occupancy figures to establish the requirements for the new lift. It was deemed that a new passenger lift installed into the existing shaft would be more cost effective than refurbishment of the existing lift.

Work was carried out in three phases to ensure minimal disturbance to existing tenants and the whole development is designed to achieve a BREEAM Very Good Rating, using 47% less energy than a standard office building.

The team produced a design report with details of the proposed replacement lift followed by a full technical specification. A technical specification was also produced for a new disabled platform lift to overcome the split level in the new reception area.

Client Workspace Ltd Sector Workplace Value £14 million Completion date 2016 Architect Rolfe Judd Architects Services Building services, civil and structural engineering, acoustics and vertical transportation Images © Workspace Group Plc

Coworking: Evolution of the workplace

No.1 Poultry London, UK Cundall was appointed to provide building services, fire engineering, acoustics and vertical transportation for the refurbishment and reconfiguration of the landmark 15,000m2 office building to be operated by WeWork. Spanning over eight floors in London’s financial district, this professional office environment offers flexible options for coworking space. Tenants can benefit from front-desk services, conference rooms, lounges, games area, onsite showers, bike storage and even bring their pet to work. WeWork offers a variety of desk contracts including private office space, dedicated desk space and hot desking. The project involved the relocation of the office reception, reconfiguration of the retail areas and toilets, provision of new onfloor mechanical and electrical services and the addition of new showers and cyclist facilities. The existing MEP infrastructure services were validated resulting in new lifts, VAV air-conditioning systems, chillers, cooling towers and electrical remediation works

Coworking: Evolution of the workplace

being specified. Programming of all work was required to allow for the various building tenants to remain in occupation during construction. The building contains 11 lifts and two escalators. Cundall’s vertical transportation team redesigned the lifts and provided the client with a five-year plan regarding the upkeep and maintenance of the escalators to ensure they worked efficiently. Adhering to the tight programme was essential as the two scenic lifts provided the only access for customers to the restaurant on the roof of the building. The team had to ensure works were planned during quiet periods for the restaurant and avoid any unnecessary disruption. WeWork required a higher density of occupants than allowed for in the base-build fire strategy. Cundall’s fire engineers were able to adapt the base-build design to allow for this increase by introducing compartmentation on each of the floors which then maximised the capacity of the exiting stairs. The compartment walls were carefully integrated into the WeWork fit-

out design, such that they did not compromise the functionality and use of the building. Cundall’s acoustic team have provided input into planning and delivered detailed advice and commissioning testing for the project. All office and retail units have been designed for future adaptation and comply with requirements of British Standards and BREEAM. Through liaison with the Local Authority’s environmental health officer extensive noise impact assessments were undertaken to advise on mitigation measures to minimise the music noise breakout from the retail unit.

Client Perella Weinberg Sector Workplace Value £20 million Completion date 2017 Architect Buckley Gray Yeoman Architects Services Building services, vertical transportation, fire, acoustics and BREEAM advice Images © WeWork

One Heddon Street London, UK

One Heddon Street is the first dedicated coworking office space provided by The Crown Estate and is the first WELL certified coworking office. This new hub will offer 350 desks for professionals, startups, and project teams located in the West End of London. The flexible membership offers private offices for two to twelve people or desk renting in a coworking space. Members are also able to book meeting rooms, boardrooms, use the private roof terrace, event space and take advantage of the wellbeing activities and events. Cundall provided wellbeing and sustainability advice which were core components of the design. Compliance with environmental aims was assured at the outset by establishing clear objectives set by the WELL Building Institute. This project is aiming for Gold standard. The roof of the building is provided with a herb garden which not only contributes to the greenspace but attracts wildlife in the area. Zonal temperature, humidity and air quality is monitored across the office to deliver the highest possible comfort conditions. Effective ventilation maintains air quality and is demand controlled to regulate rates and reduce CO2 levels. Heating and cooling meet CIBSE and ASHRAE comfort levels providing a healthier, hypoallergenic environment. All paint used is low VOC and non-toxic. Maintained thermal comfort and air quality ensures health and wellbeing, and improved staff productivity.

Quiet working spaces and privacy booths provide low noise rating and ambient lighting. Meeting rooms include extensive acoustic treatment to provide private spaces.

There are cycle parking spaces at basement level, with extensive locker, changing, drying and shower facilities, promoting physical exercise.

Chilled water dispensers are located within 30m of all staff and tested to WELL requirements. Staff are provided with a personal cup to encourage them to stay hydrated and reduce disposable plastics. The onsite catering facilities offer subsidised, inclusive menus of healthy, nutritionally balanced meals. Ingredients are locally sourced and seasonal and there is allergy, nutrient and calorie advice readily on display.

Biophilic design principles create a calm and relaxing workspace. Biophilia is incorporated as part of the core design, including moss and living walls, to contribute to health and wellbeing, provided with automated localised irrigation systems and enhanced lighting.

Lighting is set to visual acuity for focus, brightness management, light colour quality, responsive lighting control and circadian lighting. Daylight dimming also reduces wastage and no desk is more than 7m from an external window.

Client The Crown Estate Sector Workplace Value Confidential Completion date 2018 Architect Barr Gazetas Services Well Awards First office in Europe to achieve WELL Platinum Certification Images ÂŠ Andrew Hendry

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Darlington Business Central Darlington, County Durham, UK Darlington Business Central is a state of the art incubation building for small to medium sized businesses. It features office space for up to 60 firms, as well as an open space coworking facility. The 4-storey, 3,200sq m space also contains a communal entrance and lobby area. Cundall provided civil, structural and geotechnical engineering. Work was originally undertaken at the feasibility stage and several structural designs were proposed. The project required close links with the local authority (Darlington) in the initial stages to ensure their objectives of a sustainable, low energy solution within a fixed budget were delivered. Business Central is on a former disused plot in an industrial estate. As it is adjacent to the East Coast Main Line, the design of the building required liaison with and approval from Network Rail.

Coworking: Evolution of the workplace

The project was partially funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Homes and Community Agency (HCA). It is the first commercial development in Central Park, and forms part of the reservation of the wider area.

Client Willmott Dixon Sector Workplace Value ÂŁ6.6 million Completion date 2015 Architect P+HS Architects Services Civil, structural and geotechnical engineering Images ÂŠ Jill Tate

Plexal Here East Innovation Centre Stratford, UK Having previously delivered the International Broadcasting Centre and wider Here East development, Plexal in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park at Stratford represents Cundall’s most recent work in this development. Occupying the former broadcast and press centre for the 2012 Olympic Games, the centre is designed to support young and established businesses to work collaboratively as a community within a ‘mini-city’. Tech companies that focus on areas like health technology, AI, AR, VR, cybersecurity, data analytics and the Internet of Things can share ideas and be creative. Plexal’s adaptable design matches the intended changing uses: it features flexible and modular office accommodation, meeting rooms and conference facilities, civic spaces, a Makers’ Yard (where rehearsals, events and prototyping can take place), an events stage and Plexal Park. These all feed back to the spine of the building and the central installation.

As well as the fixed desks, hot desks and private offices, Plexal offers innovation programmes and training and has launched a disability accelerator in partnership with the Global Disability Innovation Hub. The design of the facility, with its changing requirements of multiple occupiers, required many clever engineering solutions from the Cundall team. Due to the differing requirements of the occupiers, the lighting also needed instant flexibility. The lighting design was about two key elements: the ability to move the luminaires

to where they are needed, and the ability to quickly and easily reprogramme the lighting controls. Plexal involved clever re-use of an existing space and system, creating a major change in use and additional space, whilst also retaining most of the existing systems. Client Plexal and Here East Innovation Centre Sector Workplace Value £6.6 million Completion date 2015 Architect Grimshaw Architects Services Building services engineering and lighting design Images © Quintin Lake Photography

Coworking: Evolution of the workplace

Manchester Projects

Brazennose House, Manchester

First Street Northern Gateway, No 8

Coworking: Evolution of the workplace

Embankment, Salford

First Street, Manchester ÂŠ Fletcher Priest Architects

Sunlight House ÂŠ Midi Photography Coworking: Evolution of the workplace

Michael Gosling Associate Director 4th Floor, 15 Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 2BH United Kingdom D +44 121 794 3503 T +44 121 262 2720 M +44 7702 869043 www.cundall.com Asia Australia Europe MENA UK & Ireland