BBLB architects

Currently the World’s largest consented offshore wind farm, The London Array project is planned to generate up to 1,000MW of power and is being built in two phases. The London Array could eventually power up to 750,000 homes – about a quarter of Greater London – and reduce harmful CO2 emissions by 1.4 million tonnes a year. So it’ll make a big difference to the environment as well as helping provide a reliable electricity supply to south east England.

Phase One of the project which includes the Construction Management Base, 175 turbines, an onshore substation and two offshore substations and over 400km of cables, together with the Operation and Maintenance base which is currently under construction. The wind farm is located 12 miles from the Kent and Essex coasts in the Outer Thames Estuary. Phase One is expected to be commissioned by spring 2013, after which the site will be handed over to the Operations and Maintenance team who will be based at the new purpose built facility at the Port of Ramsgate.

The Facility

The design for the Operations and Maintenance base was won by BBLB architects LLP in 2008, and is now nearing completion. The project is a £4.2m steel frame structure built by Mansell Construction Services Ltd.

The building will accommodate up to 90 staff and is divided into two distinct elements – 15,000 sq ft offices for monitoring the operations of the wind farm, and a 10,000 sq ft warehouse and workshop to deliver the needs for the day to day running and maintenance of the wind farm.

These two elements will be separated by a three storey full height glazed atrium incorporating the building’s main entrance and an internal ‘street’ linking the office and warehouse areas.

The Design

This is a landmark building of the highest quality. The architectural concept has been designed around the exposed marine conditions and driven by positive sustainable measures. The building has achieved Industrial BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method) ‘Excellent’ status and has been built using materials that are sustainable and recyclable.

The building’s sustainable design features include: maximising the available natural light through passive design measures; an extensive specially designed green roof seeded with planting typical to the area to provide ecological value and a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) unit.

Our Service

BBLB have provided a full architectural service to London Array including concept design, production information, contract administration, project management and on- site clerk of works services. BBLB appointed all necessary consultants directly in order to provide a ‘one-stop’ service to the Client.

“Utilising experiences gained on other similar projects, BBLB quickly and efficiently guided London Array through the process of finalising a suitable layout and specification for the facility. The experience of the BBLB team was again invaluable during the procurement process and during administration of the main building Contract.”
Andrew Leadbetter, Lead O&M Engineer

BBLB have always been willing and able to support London Array’s additional requirements, such as the works required for its adjacent Construction Management Base.

“We are delighted with the final appearance and finish of the O&M Facility, and look forward to enjoying the excellent operational setup during the lifetime of the London Array Offshore Wind Farm.”