Concrete in the Lead Role

The "White Collar Factory" complex consists of six buildings on Old Street Yard and certainly draws attention. The construction technology combines and merges influences from the past with new techniques, making it an exceptional landmark in the city. The office building, covering 22,000 m², features over 16 floors of large room space and a 15-meter tartan track, which also offers a rooftop bar with a panoramic view of London.

photo: Rob Parrish

"Clients wanted a symbol of the city," says architect Steve Taylor from the London office of AHMM. The designer focused on office spaces that put the individual at the forefront of the work process while highlighting the construction principles of the 20th century.

Developer Derwent London, along with architects from the AHMM office and the engineering firm AKT II in collaboration with Arup, worked for several years on studying historical work halls to ideally translate them into modernity. The team identified five fundamental principles: high ceilings, floors, simple facades, concrete structures, and smart technology.

With £1 million, the design team created a prototype that was tested for several months. This test was crucial primarily because of an important detail regarding passive cooling through concrete core cooling systems.

The Concrete Core Cooling system is just one example of how concrete stands at the forefront of the entire project. Concrete not only creates the structure but also defines the surroundings of the complex and the uniqueness of the architectural work.
The design team adhered to a design concept where concrete is integrated at all levels, creating a harmonious whole. The chosen RECKLI wood structure, used both outside and inside the building, gives the entire construction a unique appearance.

The White Collar Factory building, with its character, distinguishes itself from other buildings while still contributing to an impression of warmth and a welcoming atmosphere. The simplicity of the construction is the result of many months of planning, processes, and tests. To achieve the optimal color and composition of the concrete, a whole series of testing panels was produced and presented.
The RECKLI company was approached to create a custom wood structure, designed in collaboration with the architect. Consultation and agreement among all team members led to the creation of this unique project.

Architect Taylor is enthusiastic about the result: "For us, the White Collar Factory project is another step in integrating concrete as a finished product with its structure."