BACKGROUND

Evergreen Marine, a leader among the world’s top five shipping companies, commands an impressive fleet of two hundred container ships. This Taiwanese-owned enterprise bases its European headquarters at a prestigious location, 160 Euston Rd, London. The company-owned building supports crucial operations that necessitate a modern, efficient workspace to facilitate their global activities.

• Location: London NW1

• Company Size: 400 Staff

• Project Size: 15,000 Sqft CATA / 7,200 Sqft Sublet

• Sector: Finance

• Duration: 18 weeks

• Value: £2.5m

PROJECT OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVES 

Cityspace was entrusted with a comprehensive refurbishment of Evergreen Marine’s conference suite, originally constructed in the 1980s. The building accommodated 400 office employees and guests. The project was located on two of the three podium floors and covered 15,000 square feet. The primary objective was to transform the ground floor into sublet office suites, while renovating the first floor to include a new 32-seat boardroom, a supporting breakout area, bathrooms, vending points, new office space for the IT team (including a comms room with gas suppression) and two (DDA) compliant washrooms.

CHALLENGES AND EXPECTATIONS

The project presented several significant challenges. Initially, the condition of the existing mechanical, electrical and life safety infrastructure was unknown. Mapping out a complex four-pipe system took two days, due to the absence of existing drawings. Structural changes to move staircases, leaks around existing ductwork running through the slab to the podium roof, and concealed structures supporting the marble walls, all required careful assessment and design planning prior to their removal. Additionally, the discovery of non-compliant fire walls and barriers required urgent rectification to meet building regulations. The project had significant demolition work, including removing a central glass and stone staircase, cutting of the slab for a new spiral staircase and adding steel beams to support the floors. Relocating a live comms room to new facilities, also required meticulous planning. The validation of the existing fan coils and fresh air systems showed the existing system to be beyond economic repair, so the decision was made to replace the entire AC 4 pipe system with a new VRF inverter system.

RECOMMENDATIONS 

The entire floor was stripped back to the slab and all new AC , electrical and life safety systems installed . We installed a new entrance reception on the Euston Roadside, with a spiral staircase connection to the 1st floor. The ground floor now has new VRV inverter air conditioning, and ducted fresh air. We totally re-wired all electrical services, installing LED lighting compliant with Part L building regulations. We replaced the entire life safety system, including automatic atrium smoke ventilation. The floor now has a fully accessible raised floor, new toilets, and the first-floor atrium has been glazed for acoustic privacy, enabling the entire ground floor to be leased as a standalone unit. 

On the 1st floor, we designed a new boardroom to accommodate 32 delegates and 20 guests. It featured advanced AV equipment, motorized retractable delegate screens, twin presentation screens, motorized voice-sensing cameras, acoustic panels, and a stretched fabric ceiling for even lighting with multiple scene settings. This meeting room facility was supported with a new breakout space, lounge area and refreshment station . DDA toilet provisions were designed and upgraded, and Cat B tenants’ fit-out work was completed. The IT team’s office was completely refurbished, relocating a comms room, and primary data and power feeds.

PROJECT OUTCOMES 

The project outcomes were significant. Our designs improved the office’s energy efficiency dramatically, upgrading the EPC rating from a borderline E rating to a B . We incorporated renewable and sustainable materials wherever possible and energy use was lowered with the addition of LED lighting, and a VRF inverter system for heating and cooling. These enhancements created a state-of-the-art workspace, significantly boosting functionality and comfort for Evergreen Marine’s employees. By addressing compliance issues and modernizing infrastructure, the project ensured the office space met current standards and could be adapted to future business requirements.

Through collaboration and a practical approach to problem-solving, Cityspace delivered a highly efficient, modern office environment that aligns with Evergreen Marine’s prestigious standing. This case study exemplifies the importance of experience and expertise in overcoming complex challenges and delivering successful, timely, and cost-effective project outcomes.