Commercial Project
Olive Morris House
- Location:
- Lambeth, London
- Client:
- London Borough of Lambeth
- Architect:
- Weston Williamson Architects
- Cost:
- £3,000,000
The Building
Olive Morris House provides an advice and information centre for the London Borough of Lambeth. Built in 1978 it is a four storey building with an additional basement. The ground floor was completely remodelled to improve its customer service functions whilst upper levels were retained as office space. One of the main objectives was to make the public space more welcoming.
Thermal Modelling
Consultation with the building's users confirmed a number of problems with the existing aging equipment. The heating and cooling of the building was modelled using TAS dynamic simulation software. This showed that the existing services were inadequate for the modern usage of the building. The simulations allowed various options for updating the building services to be compared. The advantages of each option in terms of installation and running costs, carbon dioxide emissions, and control were considered. A VRV heat reclaim system was chosen as the most cost effective and environmentally sound option offering flexibility for the future.
Lighting
Recommendations to meet CIBSE Office Lighting Guide were made, including balancing of light levels on walls, ceiling and working plane using luminaires suitable for computer use. On the ground floor these needs are integrated with the desire to create an open, friendly feel.
Customer Service
Plasma screens allow for messages and information to be quickly updated. Customers can also access services such as bill payments, fault reporting and information at a number of self-service terminals and kiosks.
Security
The building had problems with safety and security in the past. In conjunction with the welcoming redesign CCTV was installed to cover the entire building, and staff were issued with mobile alarms.
