The Waterman is shortlisted for the BCO Awards 2025
We are delighted to announce that our project, The Waterman, has been shortlisted for the BCO Awards 2025 in the Refurbished/Recycled Workplace category. This recognition highlights our commitment to delivering innovative, sustainable, and high-quality workspaces, and we are proud to see The Waterman acknowledged among the best workplace projects in the UK.
Delivered in collaboration with BGO and Fathom Architects, The Waterman is one of Clerkenwell’s largest heritage retrofit projects. The project transformed four Victorian industrial warehouses into a single, cohesive workplace while preserving their historic character. Located within the Clerkenwell Green Conservation Area, the site had undergone multiple conversions over the years, resulting in inefficient layouts and a lack of identity. Our approach focused on unifying the buildings, creating open, light-filled workspaces, and improving the overall efficiency of the structure.
Retaining and repurposing original materials played a significant role in reducing embodied carbon. Structural steel, timber flooring, glazing, and over 5,000 bricks were reused, while new materials were selected for their environmental performance. Enhancements to the building improved insulation and energy efficiency, with all fossil fuel-based systems removed in favour of a fully electric MEP strategy. As a result, The Waterman has achieved BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A rating, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Beyond performance and efficiency, the project has created a workspace that enhances tenant experience. The design introduced new communal spaces, including a coworking lounge and multiple external terraces. The result is a flexible and characterful workplace that respects its heritage while meeting modern business needs.
The BCO Awards celebrate excellence in office design, and we are proud to see The Waterman recognised as a benchmark for sustainable refurbishment. This shortlisting is a testament to the expertise and collaboration of everyone involved in bringing this project to life.
The winners will be announced later this year.
Explore more from The Waterman project.
