This is a significant success for project architects, Race Cottam Associates, who created the designs for the new Thames Gateway Power building on behalf of Cyclamax Holdings Limited .
The 18,000m2 building will now be built at the London Sustainable Industries Park in Dagenham. It will convert commercial waste through an advanced gasification process into Syngas, which can then be used to power and heat the other buildings on the park.
The CABE assessment review praised the ‘crisp and clear designapproach’ of the ‘simple and elegant box’ created by Race Cottam. It also noted that ‘the rigorous regularity of the elevations’ fitted well with the industrial nature of the waste management process’.
“It’s very unusual to receive such a positive assessment from CABE for an industrial building such as this,” comments Race Cottam’s Regional Director David Speddings. “There was a strong emphasis placed on the design aspects of this project so our first step was to listen carefully to our client’s requirements. This gave us a firm basis to start designing something which is perfectly suited to the waste treatment process that the building will house from a practical viewpoint, but which is also visually sympathetic to the surroundings. As a practice we have considerable experience of environmental sector projects and a good understanding of the technologies involved and this definitely contributed towards the successful design.”
The completed building is also currently on target to achieve a coveted BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, with various aspects of the design contributing towards this goal. A and A+ rated materials are being used wherever possible and the aim is to source 40% by weight of the project materials from a within 30 mile radiusso that transport requirements are reduced. Heat produced by the waste processing process will also be used to heat and cool the building to induce natural ventilation through stacks in the adjacent two-storey office and visitor centre.
The 18m high building will be built on a reinforced impermeable concrete surface. It will feature a steel portal frame clad on all four sides with translucent polycarbonate panels, with the internal dimensions of the building closely mirroring the various waste processing functions. Parts of the building will have a flat roof with a central roof light and natural ventilation. This will allow the building to emit a gentle glow at night and reflect the energy generation process while also providing a landmark for the park.The Reception Hall will also feature a ‘brown roof’ which will provide an area where biodiversity habitats can be created.
Race Cottam is also involved with other waste schemes at various locations around the UK including Norfolk, Yorkshire, Gloucester and Essex.
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