Architectural offices become a living showcase

Architects Haworth Tompkins office used to show the best in sustainable design.

Haworth Tompkins is a Stirling Prize-winning architectural studio with an international reputation for intelligent, purposeful design. Based in the heart of the City of London and repeatedly listed in the AJ 100 as one of the UK’s leading architectural firms, it won Practice of the Year in 2020.

When the Practice decided to combine its main office and nearby satellite office into one new larger space, it provided the perfect opportunity to turn it into a showcase for the latest in design materials and digital infrastructure. Keen to keep to their ethos of reuse, recycle and reduce, many of the original fixtures and fittings were repurposed to make them suitable for the new space. Facilities also include personal lockers, bike storage and shower rooms to encourage sustainable commuting.

With sustainable architecture a key factor in the company’s culture and design, only products which met strict criteria were selected for use in the new office. This kind of ethical design is mirrored within their schemes which have achieved many BREEAM and Sustainable Design awards over the years.

The new office has plenty of space to accommodate the 110 architects based on site along with associates and support staff. It also features digitally-equipped meeting rooms, display areas showing architectural models and large open plan areas including hot desks and break out areas. The Practice also hosts regular public outreach events, such as the London Architectural Festival, Architects Declared Sustainability events and various exhibitions. As a result, the office is frequently filled with people and Troldtekt wood wool acoustic panels were specified to control the noise levels and help acoustical performance. Specified in a natural finish, they blend in well with the existing substrate of concrete, wood and tiled floors.

Troldtekt is frequently specified by Haworth Tompkins for projects where long life-cycle with durability and low maintenance need to be coupled with design aesthetics and visual appeal. Cradle to Cradle Certified® at Gold level, Troldtekt wood wool acoustic panels are manufactured using wood from certified forests (PEFC/09-31-030 and FSC®C115450) and can contribute positively to a building’s BREEAM, WELL or LEED points.