Unit 2, Origin - SEGRO

High-end warehouse refurbishment achieving BREEAM Outstanding.

SEGRO is no stranger to an ambitious industrial refurbishment project and similarly impressive results. Our ongoing relationship led us to Origin business park in northwest London where we worked alongside Arcadis to deliver a 36,000 sq ft internal and external warehouse refurbishment with a host of sustainability and wellbeing credentials.

While the BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ grabs the headlines, this demonstration of environmental accountability is reinforced by an EPC A+ rating.

To achieve these sustainability goals, various features were removed, replaced and enhanced. The new rooftop PV array consisting of 460 panels boasts an increased output by producing 187 kWp, resulting in highly valuable access to renewable energy. To maintain a commitment to minimal waste, the PV panels removed were reused on an agricultural building. Additional examples of repair and reuse include the original raised access flooring system, the sectional doors and several bollards.

In operation, the inclusion of SMART sensor technology will enable the monitoring and management of energy consumption. New LED lighting also comes as standard with motion and daylight dimming controls for optimal building performance.

Wellbeing remains a focus for SEGRO, so specific considerations were made to enhance the experience of building users. For example, the ventilation intake and exhaust ducts were designed to be 10 metres apart, to ensure air quality, while specialist sensors were also installed throughout the office to continue monitoring. Full refurbishment of the warehouse and office areas, including new ceilings, walls and floors, gives the project a high-quality finish.

Five new living walls were installed to the external elevation, covering 156m2 in total, complemented by a rainwater harvesting tank, break tank and filters. Meanwhile two further living walls were installed inside the warehouse within the reception, which is a first for us and something that represents the project’s bespoke nature.

To encourage sustainable transport, EV charging points were installed alongside secure bicycle parking. Continuing the commitment to the environment, bird and bat boxes were installed, helping to connect the building with wildlife.

Projects of this scale and ambition rarely finish without a challenge or two appearing, but we are proud of our ability to adapt and overcome. During the delivery period, we provided the design for new openings to create the depth required for the external living wall bays, which considered structural support, waterproofing detail, reinstating the insulation and finding a route for all irrigation pipework. Another key challenge we overcame was increasing capacity of the incoming electrical supply by upgrading the switch panel from 400amp to 1600amp, along with winching out the existing incoming supply cables and installing new cables within the existing ducts.

Oliver Werby, Director of Technical Development, Estates at SEGRO, said: “Unit 2 Origin represents best-in-class refurbishment, expertly managed by the project team. Pexhurst have honed their ability to deliver highly sustainable refurbishment works, supporting the Responsible SEGRO framework and future-proofing our assets. The internal living green wall is particularly standout and a triumph. Well done team Pexhurst.”