Unit 2, Auriol Drive - SEGRO

Pexhurst optimises Auriol Drive industrial unit for sustainability

Highly-reputed fit-out and refurbishment contractor Pexhurst has refurbished West London’s Auriol Drive, Unit 2 industrial and logistics warehouse. SEGRO’s most sustainable refurbishment of a warehouse undertaken.

Unit 2, Auriol Drive is a 32,709 sq. ft. industrial unit located at Greenford Park, West London with well-known occupiers including DHL, DFS, and Sainsbury's. With special consideration towards sustainability, the site is targeting a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ status. In the UK, only less than 1% of all registered non-domestic buildings are able to achieve this level. In addition to this, Pexhurst’s work on this site has earned it an ‘Excellent’ Certificate of Performance by the Considerate Constructor’s Scheme, demonstrating excellent care for the community, the environment, and their workforce.

Working alongside Project Managers Arcadis, the team initially undertook a general strip out of the office and warehouse, including the removal of a large mezzanine floor. Once this strip out was completed, Pexhurst commenced the warehouse refurbishment, including the installation of new rooflights and coating the roof with Girosol to maintain its integrity. The team also completed cleaning of the internal liner, resin coating of the floor, and the installation of new sectional doors. Additionally, the existing Mansafe system was tested and adapted to guarantee the highest level of safety for its on-site team.

Once the refurbishment was completed, Pexhurst executed a CAT B fit-out to the office areas. This included the installation of a contemporary timber slatted ceiling and the creation of a high-specification washroom and showers. Similarly, the reception area was fitted out with a bespoke reception desk and high-specification wall and floor finishes, including curved walls with a sophisticated industrial-style concrete effect finish. The reception area also presents the unique biophilic design accent of internal moss walls. Not only do the internal moss walls add variation in design colour and texture, but building occupants will also enjoy wellbeing benefits due to the positive effects of preserved moss walls on cognitive function, stress levels, and emotional well-being.

Unit 2 Auriol Drive’s exterior has also been refurbished with sustainability and wellbeing in mind. Pexhurst fitted an external 200m2 green wall, comprising over 15 different species of plants. Enhancing the building occupants’ wellbeing, improving biodiversity and air quality in an urban area, and transforming the visual appearance of the building’s exterior.

Pexhurst also installed a Building Management System (BMS), alongside an air conditioning leak detection system to ensure energy efficiency, and an air quality monitoring system to support occupant wellbeing. Furthermore, the roof was mounted with 689 solar photovoltaic (PV) modules as a source of sustainable energy. Due to the PVs and the energy efficient mechanical and electrical fit out, the building has achieved an A+ EPC rating, enabling the unit to be net zero carbon in operation.

Additionally, new Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers and cycle stores were installed, thus promoting methods of sustainable and healthy travel for employees. Pexhurst also fitted a rainwater harvesting system for efficient water usage. The tank will roughly save 64,000 litres per year.

Occupiers can now benefit from a fully modern industrial unit with a 3-phase electricity supply, allocated parking, EV parking bays, increased bio-diversity efforts and bird hotels provided to surrounding trees, and cycle shelters.