On Wednesday 25th February ULI members were given access to the White Collar Factory in London, a scheme that is pushing environmental barriers and breaking traditional development rules. Celine Thompson, Head of Leasing at Derwent London, shared insights as to how the project, located on Old Street roundabout, has provided them with a unique development opportunity in an area gentrified as the iconic start-up hotspot of London around the famous Silicon Roundabout.

Derwent London took the innovative decision to build a complete test suite suspended two floors up within one of the buildings due to be demolished. This unique approach allowed Derwent London to test all aspects of the new design, from the impressive metal and concrete shell, to windows that are free to be opened and closed, and the intelligent concrete core cooling system.

Much of the development has been designed to draw from future environmental constraints, the future introduction of CrossRail and the area’s technology and creative business communities. The new building, which is one of six buildings on the newly designed campus, will include 16 floors, 226,378 sq ft and due to its leading engineering and design, it is expected to deliver an impressive 15-26% energy saving compared to a conventional office. This is further recognised by Derwent London’s mission to stretch the engineers and architects to deliver the building to a BREEAM Excellent, LEED Platinum and EPC A rating.

With the building scheduled to open in June 2016, Derwent London is busy taking agents on a journey to understand the values of their unique design and engage them in the values of new technology, non-traditional industrial layout and spaces that have been designed to deliver significant occupier well-being.

For more information about the scheme see http://whitecollarfactory.com/