The Brief: The new manufacturing and headquarters for the London Electrical Vehicle Company (formerly the London Taxi Company) were designed with energy consumption and environmental controls high on the list of priorities. ESC were responsible for the design of the Assembly Line power distribution, gas, water and compressed air systems Integrating the design with the requirements of the Assembly Line specialist suppliers, as well as the design of the base building services. The new 550,000 ft² purpose-built facility is home to over 600 office and assembly line staff.
The Engineering Difference: We worked with the Design Team to engineer the optimise the thermal performance of the building envelope. The well-being of the assembly line workers was taken into consideration and the ability to manage peak temperatures was incorporated into the design of the Assembly line ventilation systems which included paint booths, inspection areas, warehousing and vehicle test cells. 
The internal engineering systems comprised of VRF heat pump systems and central heat recovery fresh air systems throughout the office areas, induction heating systems and industrial displacement systems in the Productions areas, ventilation systems for the various chemicals. The building achieved the targeted Energy Performance Certificate rating of ‘A’ and BREEAM rating of Very Good.
Key Aspects:
- Engineered building envelope
- Heat recovery ventilation
- Specialist M&E Systems
- EPC of ‘A’
- BREEAM Excellent
Value: £50m+
Duties: ACE Schedule of Performance Duties, RIBA stages A to L.
With thanks to Holophane Europe Ltd for the use of their photographs.