Shaped by sustainability
The Ray Farringdon
Viridis Real Estate LTD
Architecture, landscape developers, engineers, arborists, archaeologists
Clerkenwell, London, England
A model for properties of the future
Sweco has been instrumental in the creation of the Ray Farringdon; a modern, energy efficient property certified to the highest environmental class with a low level of energy consumption and low greenhouse gas emissions.
Completed in early 2019, in close collaboration with the local community and area residents at a historic location, the site was previously home to a concrete building with small windows. Now terraces on every floor provide new meeting spots, quiet and relaxing environments and leafy views.
The aim of the Ray, as the property is called, was to create a modern building that blends in with and reflects the area’s character and architecture.
The result is a modern interpretation of the building style of the area, with inspiration drawn from the Victorian-era brick façade.
A rigorous environmental strategy and passive house design helped the property receive the highest possible BREEAM 2014 environmental certification (“outstanding”), which was also an explicit ambition of local decision makers and the client.
Customised energy solutions
The Ray was designed as a passive house with several functions for efficient low-energy heating and cooling solutions. During the design phase, Sweco’s digital simulations of the building allowed the material used for the façade to be customised in order to reduce the energy consumption for cooling by more than 30 per cent.
Solar intake and heating are maximised during winter months in order to minimise the effect of the sun’s rays during summer months. This reduces energy consumption for heating as well as cooling. The building has also been constructed to take advantage of natural daylight, reducing the need for other light sources and lowering energy costs.
Ventilation during the warm months of the year comes from cool night air via the openable façade or the mechanical ventilation system. The ambient air cools the concrete floors and soffits, reducing the need for daytime cooling.
Bringing biological diversity to the concrete jungle
A variety of plants, shrubs, grasses and perennials have been planted on the terraces and balconies, creating a green roof with rain ponds with the aim to improving the area’s biodiversity. Trees have also been planted on adjacent streets.
