Whitechapel Estate

This extensive regeneration scheme in the heart of Whitechapel required a highly collaborative approach to the design, particularly between Scotch and the two architects, Adjaye Associates and PLP Architecture.

The scheme, comprising 12 buildings ranging from 2 to 23 storeys, showcases unique architectural and structural designs resulting in an improved and dynamic residential landscape.

The basement design is key to linking the buildings and the site together. Our design approach included a services ‘super-circuit’ that linked satellite plant rooms to a single main plant zone and energy centre. A key consideration was maintaining sufficient head height for car parking whilst taking into account the ‘blue roof’ attenuation system located between the landscaping and the basement structure.

Local policy requires the scheme to target a 45% reduction in CO2 emissions over Part L 2013, which is more onerous than the current London Plan requirement of a 35%. Through workshops and thermal modelling of the individual buildings, we developed an energy strategy prioritising the use of passive and energy efficient design measures, further supported by CHP – combined with a large thermal store – and PV.