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London, UK
The Waterman
RLB’s consultants played a key role in the transformation of a row of four Victorian industrial warehouses in Farringdon, London, into a single, sustainable, mixed-use landmark building.
Developed by BGO, a global leader in real estate investment, The Waterman project provides six floors of industrial-aesthetic workspaces, a welcoming co-working lounge, best-in-class end-of-journey facilities, and green roof terraces with panoramic city views.
We supported this 70,000 sq ft office development with holistic cost reporting encompassing both construction and client-direct costs, helping BGO to meet its sustainability goals and achieve significant carbon savings and BREEAM Excellent certification.
At a glance
- ClientBGO
- ServicesCommercial Success, Value Engineering and Value Management
- sectorCommercial
- LocationLondon, England
Reduced carbon footprint
A core objective of the project was to reduce carbon emissions during reconstruction and minimise the operational carbon footprint of the renovated building. Our specialist MEP surveyors advised on the costs associated with converting from gas-powered to all-electric HVAC plant. The new system features energy-efficient variable refrigerant flow (VRF) heat recovery technology, extract ventilation and air-conditioning providing fresh air for heating and cooling, complemented by natural cross-ventilation through sash windows on two sides.
Material reuse and upcycling
RLB also provided options analysis evaluating the cost and carbon impact of various materials across all building elements. This enabled our client to carefully consider a matrix of value engineering and circular design options, fully accounting for cost, carbon, programme and quality. Our cost data helped identify ways of cutting waste including recycling 5,000 bricks, re-installing structural steelwork used initially for temporary works as part of the permanent structure, and salvaging existing timber floorboards for reuse in the ground-floor reception area. Besides reducing costs, material reuse and upcycling saved more than 700t of carbon.
Collaborative working environment
Collaboration was central to the project’s success and we worked very closely with the client and stakeholders throughout as part of an integrated team. This approach, combined with our comprehensive cost management from project inception through planning to base build handover, ensured effective financial control, facilitated informed decision-making regarding sustainability, and ultimately ensured the project’s timely and cost-effective delivery.
“RLB worked closely with us from the start of the project to understand our purpose and goals. Their cost management expertise was invaluable in helping us to turn the ambitious vision for this development into reality.”Emma Foster, Principal, BGO
Sustainable urban destination
The outcome of this complex heritage retrofit is a successful blend of historical character and contemporary functionality, creating a vibrant and sustainable urban destination that provides valuable commercial space while prioritising environmental stewardship and occupant wellbeing.
The multidisciplinary effort of the project team has set a new standard for responsible and efficient real estate development, demonstrating how the construction industry can be a force for positive change.
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