Healthy Material Protocol in Architecture Magazine UK

HEALTHY MATERIAL PROTOCOL

Alison Grant, Senior Associate, HLW, makes a case study of Kingfsher’s HQ, a project that showcases HLW’s Healthy Material Protocol in action.

As workplace designers, our responsibility goes beyond crafting aesthetically pleasing and functional ofces; it extends to creating environments that promote health, sustainability, and social responsibility.

To equip our team with knowledge and access to healthy and sustainable building materials, last year we launched the HLW Healthy Material Protocol – a tool that encourages them to think beyond convention when specifying materials, consider unconventional alternatives, and always focus on the bigger picture. We had a chance to put the protocol into action with the design of home improvement company Kingfsher’s London HQ, as we were tasked to create an ofce that aligned with the company’s progressive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. A primary objective of the new ofce was decarbonisation, specifcally reducing embodied carbon emissions from the interior ft-out through careful consideration of: raw material extraction, manufacturing and processing, transportation, installation of all building materials, replacement of materials, end of life, disposal and recycling.

We worked closely with the client and our in-house sustainability consultancy BEYOND to carefully examine every partition, ceiling system, carpet, and all other materials in the building, measuring its carbon footprint to achieve a staggering 78% reduction from a baseline in embodied carbon. For example, one

of the most impactful decisions was the procurement of repurposed Raised Access Flooring, which signifcantly reduced the overall Global Warming Potential (GWP), while increasing the circularity of the project.

The zero-carbon team at Kingfsher actively participated in every stage, from design conception to construction completion, vetting low-carbon materials to ensure that every choice aligned with their commitment to sustainability. We also worked with Kingfsher to try and reuse its existing furniture where possible, and to consider social value when selecting suppliers and manufacturers for new fxtures and fttings, prioritising using materials and products which had a positive impact on the community in some way.

This process taught us invaluable lessons for the future of the Healthy Material

Protocol. One key takeaway is fnding the delicate balance between sustainable and healthy materials. While prioritising low-carbon materials is crucial, we must also be mindful of other environmental factors, such as the presence of harmful substances like PVCs. Striking this balance requires continual refnement of protocols and a willingness to adapt.

Additionally, our experience with Kingfsher emphasised the importance of considering the entire lifecycle of materials. For example, we are now rethinking how we integrate joinery and fnishes, as well as furniture, which use adhesive in the assembly stage. These are dangerous to our health as they contain hazardous chemicals, but also to the planet as they limit the after-life potential of materials. As a result, our team is now considering are looking towards whole ftouts that can be disassembled and moved to new locations or reconfgured as the clients needs change, creating spaces that are not only sustainable but also adaptable to future needs.

At Kingfsher, through meticulous planning, collaboration, and innovation, we were able to surpass our sustainability goals while delivering a workspace that prioritises the health and wellbeing of its occupants. As we look to the future, we must build upon these successes to driving positive change in the workplace design industry one project at a time.

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Kingfsher HQ | Photography by Hufton+Crow

Alison Grant, Senior Associate, HLW,