MiddleCap, the real estate-focused investment group, announced today that its Southworks office development on Rushworth Street, London has been named the world’s smartest building and achieved WiredScore Gold rating for its digital connectivity.
The 70,000 sq ft office scheme, designed by SPPARC, beat off stiff competition at the 2021 Futureproof Awards (People’s Choice category), including EDGE Olympic in Amsterdam and Windmill Green in Manchester, thanks to its use of data to create the best possible user environment.
The landmark office development, MiddleCap’s first in the UK, will be an exemplar smart building when it completes in June. It will provide an ideal working environment that enhances users’ health and wellbeing whilst optimising its sustainable credentials.
Southworks achieved WiredScore Gold certification by meeting criteria in four key categories: infrastructure, wireless, power and connectivity. The assessment praises Southwork’s sufficient capacity and flexibility for tenant needs and highlights the vast measurements taken against potential service disruption.
Earlier this year Southworks was announced as the first building to achieve a Platinum Smart Building Certification, being only the second building to globally secure this rating.
Southworks’ technology-first approach and number of integrated design and management features will create a responsive and productive environment promoting wellbeing and sustainability. Some of these include:
A single ‘digital backbone’ – created through applied bGrid technology – links a series of sensors to the Internet of Things, which connect, measure and deliver feedback to building users. The sensors will be plugged into the HVAC system and lighting controls, and will also measure other environmental variables such as density, occupancy and noise levels. The data generated by this network is fed into the building management system, optimising the environment and ensuring it becomes completely demand-driven.
A dedicated app (OfficeApp) through which occupiers will be able to directly control heating and lighting to their own preferences and book meeting rooms, creating the optimum working environment.
Facilitation of more effective communication between building managers and occupiers, with messages and notifications being able to be shared in both directions through the OfficeApp.
Technology optimised for risk management in the support of longer-term social distancing by monitoring the flow of people throughout the building together with real time information about indoor and outdoor air quality.
In addition to its integrated building technology, the design of the building enhances its users’ wellbeing combining technology with natural elements such as natural light, even in the secondary spaces, and fresh air intake through openable windows.
Tomáš Jurdák, Head of Real Estate at MiddleCap, said:
“The safety and wellbeing of employees is now the top priority for businesses across the world, so pushing ahead with technological innovations is crucial to the future of offices. Southworks was designed and built around the natural elements and natural environment supported by top-notch technology.
“We are thrilled to see Southworks achieving these awards and ratings, proving that our first UK project is setting a benchmark for commercial space in the city and we hope that others in the UK and across Europe will follow suit.”
