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The idea for the project came from the Client, inspired by a vision and feasibility study by Hawkins\Brown. The study explored the potential of retaining the existing building as a flagship workplace within the wider Canada Water Masterplan, also considering its demolition. This work was key in persuading the client to keep the building.
The project concept was further developed to include both; a flexible, sustainable office and a world-class events and culture venue. A second vision piece by Hawkins\Brown led the client to retain the successful meanwhile venue, the ‘Printworks', recognised as one of the world's top music venues.
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The Printworks building, an 80's landmark, is set for a dynamic architectural transformation. The masterplan development around it offers a chance to influence the immediate and broader area. A new 3.5-acre park will be situated east of the building, enhancing the architectural design.
Ground-level retail shops will open onto the park, with seating areas. Workspaces above will offer views and private terraces overlooking the park. A 50m extension south of the building will provide a new face and entrance, further enhancing its identity. This redevelopment aims to preserve the building's industrial character while integrating it with the surrounding community.
The project prioritises sustainability in all aspects. The existing building frame and foundations are reused to minimise new structures, reducing the overall embodied carbon.
Sustainable mechanical cooling and ventilation strategies are selected based on simulations to minimise operational energy. Fresh air is provided through a floor plenum, with the large volume of the retained press hall acting as a ventilation stack for return air, further reducing embodied carbon by limiting ductwork runs. Windows are sized to limit solar gains while maximising views out. Internal finishes are chosen from naturally finished or singular materials for future circular re-use potential.
The project targets BREEAM Outstanding, NABERS 5.5 Stars, Well Gold.
We believe the project provides an exemplar case study on sustainable retrofitting and extension of large-scale industrial buildings.
It demonstrates how a strong architectural concept and vision can be instrumental in the client’s decision-making process and persuade them to keeping the existing building, prioritising retention over demolition.
It provides a case study for how industrial buildings of this scale and character can be used as a catalyst for creating a new, and unique industrial identity that balances new and old. The architectural design celebrates the existing building quirky forms within in a modern setting and new town centre context.
It provides social benefit for the local and wider community by improving the original buildings perception and through its rich mix of uses from high quality unique workspaces, food and beverage units, music, culture and events venue.
The Printworks is part of the 53acre Canada Water Masterplan, a JV between British Land and Australian Super. The project redefines this extraordinary space: workspace that creates a ‘Super HQ’ and a standout new cultural destination. The designs preserve building's industrial heritage and create a modern, sustainable development. The project blends the old & new, offering contrasting spaces that are fit for purpose, future-ready and will put Canada Water on London's corporate and cultural map.
Hawkins\Brown is an architecture practice based in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Dublin. Founded more than 30 years ago and now run as an employee-owned trust, the firm brings a collaborative approach to projects across a range of types and scale in six main sectors: Civic, community & culture; education; workplace; transport & infrastructure; healthcare and residential.
The practice is highly regarded for its work in the workplace sector. Recent projects include Here + Now, a retrofit of an outdated campus in Thames Valley Park, which won the British Council of Offices (BCO) Regional Innovation Award, South of England & South Wales in 2022.
Alongside its work in architecture, design and planning, Hawkins\Brown conducts industry leading research, with outputs that include H\B:ERT, an open-source and free-to-use plug-in for BIM models that enables teams across the industry to analyse the whole-life carbon impact of their design choices.
