The Glassworks, Greenford Quay

Award Criteria

Architectural Excellence

The Glassworks exemplifies architectural excellence through its innovative use of a full volumetric construction method. Comprising apartments, bathrooms, corridors, and roof slabs, all manufactured off-site, the building showcases a sustainable and efficient design. Its modern layout and striking exterior harmonise with Greenford Quay’s urban surroundings, incorporating an amphitheatre and public square to enhance community engagement.

The building’s modular design integrates high-quality materials and precision planning, achieving reduced on-site waste by up to 80% and surpassing industry benchmarks for embodied carbon emissions. Apartments are thoughtfully configured to maximise space and functionality, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and practical living solutions. Off-site manufacturing promoted meticulous quality control, with 99% of factory waste recycled or energy-recovered, and minimized construction disruption to existing residents.

Technical Innovation & Sustainability

The Glassworks exemplifies technical innovation and sustainability through its pioneering use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). The project was completed six weeks early, with a 40% faster timeline compared to traditional methods. A sectional handover strategy allowed apartments to be rented after just 70 weeks, a 28.6% improvement, maximizing client and tenant value.

Sustainability was central to the project, with embodied carbon 44% lower than traditional construction and significantly below RIBA and LETI benchmarks. All apartments achieved an EPC rating of B, supported by a District Heating Network, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing strain on public utilities.

Waste management was exemplary, with 100% of on-site waste and 99% of factory waste diverted from landfill. The volumetric approach reduced construction waste by up to 80%, driven by innovative recycling measures. This approach delivered exceptional environmental and operational performance.

Cost Effectiveness

The Glassworks demonstrates outstanding cost-effectiveness through precise planning and innovative methods. The modular design, established at Stage 3, provided cost certainty by defining every detail upfront, allowing for accurate budgeting and minimizing unexpected expenses or scope changes. This ensured the project was completed within budget.

Additionally, the early release of 102 apartments six weeks ahead of schedule generated significant cost savings. With an average monthly rental value of £2,310 per unit, this accelerated delivery saved £352,430 in total, reducing overall expenses and contractor preliminary costs. These savings freed financial resources for other project areas, optimizing the financial efficiency of the development.

The combination of advanced planning, modular construction, and strategic scheduling highlights The Glassworks as a model for cost-effective building solutions that deliver value for developers and residents alike.