Workplace

HQube: Re-purposing shipping containers for light industrial units.

Industrial units needn’t be boring. Our collaboration with OSM construction saw shipping containers repurposed to create an innovative development of light industrial units for local artisan businesses.

We designed and detailed the units to be highly sustainable with ‘north light’ roof pitches and south facing solar panels. The hybrid container and steel portal frame design ensured they were installed quickly and efficiently and provide a much-needed opportunity for businesses to grow and thrive on a once derelict site.

Our colourful designs for HQUBE are not only sustainable but award winning – this light industrial development caught the eye of the judges, winning the Public Sector award for RICS UK.

Judges’ comments: “This scheme was well conceived, with clearly a ready market evidenced by all 12 units under offer at the build completion. Highly sustainable, with excellent eco credentials and a good use of long-term public funds for small, growing local businesses. A successful collaboration with OSM construction and Buckinghamshire Council.”

Photography by OSM Construction

SERVICES PROVIDED

Stickland Wright developed this part of a larger consented scheme. We altered the original design proposals to embrace modular and factory built off-site solutions. We took two typically ‘off-the-shelf’ components – a container and portal frame unit – then combined them with design features which also sign post their entrance and individuality.

Our experts who lead our SW+ service are well versed in modular construction. In this instance we need to fuse together two methods: that of the container with that of the portal warehouse frame. These required novel solutions at the junctions and very careful setting out. As always with off-site solutions, solid pre-construction collaboration is key.

Low Energy Design and early consideration of building orientation was key to the success of this scheme. Maximised north light and roof shape minimised the need for internal daytime illumination. The asymmetric roof composition also offered a much larger surface area for photovoltaic panels at an optimal pitch and orientation to boost their efficacy.