September 06, 2024

The Generator Building, Cambridge

Project Summary:

Location: Cambridge
Sector: Office
Client: Brydell Partners
Architect: Owers Warwick  Architects
Consultant: David Bedwell consulting engineers
Electrical Contractor: CPS Building Services
Main Contractor: 8Build
Value: £110K
Duration: 13 months
Size:  16,730 sq. ft
Photography: Dan Bridge Photography

The recently completed 1,7 mil redevelopment of the Generator Building sees a total reinvention of 16,700 sq ft space into a people focused high quality CAT A office space. Formerly known as Shakespeare House, the tired yet prominent building is located in central Cambridge. The scheme offers 6 high end lettable areas with meeting rooms and great amenities. Designed by Owers Warwick Architect and brought to life by 8 Build, the 3 storey office building stands proud, undeniably claiming its street presence.

 

 


The tired and dilapidated building had become incompatible with the New Market Street area. The outline Stage 2 was developed by Hoare Lea Design, which was then taken over by 8build and CPS Building Services on a design and build basis.

 The new facade, reception area and courtyard garden transformed the look and street presence of the building.

reception area with linear lighting and sofas

Our linear lighting was specified at early design stages by the engineers at Hoare Lea.  We have been then approached by the engineers at David Bedwell Consulting to carry out lighting design for the project. Working closely with the consultant and the electrical contractor, our lighting engineers delivered architectural feature lighting and energy efficient office lighting. 

Over 20 hours of lighting design including emergency lighting design, were allocated to secure and support this project.

courtyard area in a modern building

THE DESIGN BRIEF.

The design brief for the Generator Building was driven by the  challenging nature of the building. The low ceilings had to be exposed to allow for more ceiling hight.  The design brief for the office lighting was heavily focused on flexibility and the the wellbeing of the users


Generator Building in Cambridge exterior

We asked our Project Director, Elman Lewis: What was the most interesting aspect of the project?

For this project, it has to be the architectural lighting. Following the architect’s drawings of the oval shaped feature lighting, we have delivered 7 made to measure fittings. I am very pleased that have achieved the closest radius of the oval curves to match the architect’s vision. "

oval shaped feature lighting in a boardroom

Architectural Feature Lighting

A made to measure 3.7m long continuous linear lighting systems were supplied on the 1st and 2nd office floor. Positioned in the main open plan office, the linear systems are based on our popular Rio Suspended direct/-indirect fitting. Rio is a great fitting suitable for made to measure or bespoke design.
In the later revisions, the design team added the bold oval fittings were in the large meeting rooms across the ground floor, 1st and 2nd floor. The 2.8m large oval shaped ceiling lights are based on the Rio Suspended direct/indirect. Due to their size, these fittings had to be assembled on site.

In the smaller meeting rooms, the halo light Rydal Suspended was used. The 800mm size fittings are substantial enough to make a presence in the space. The Rydals were used across the  first floor and second floor. 

The chunky tubular pendants Bellart Suspended were used in the reception area and breakout space. The 90mm pendants were used in clusters of 3 to create a visual feature. In the stairwell areas, we supplied the Talla Wall mounted fittings. Thanks to its classic design, the Talla is a popular choice for stairwell lighting.

 

open plan office with linear lighting and exposed services

Office lighting

Aesthetically, the office areas are the same on each floor, all using suspended linear lighting to work with with the exposed ceilings. The designer's favourite Rio Suspended direct/-indirect was used throughout the entire scheme in standard sizes following a CAT A layout. To increase the visual comfort, all linear lighting is fitted with a microprismatic diffuser. All fittings are DALI dimmable using DALI 2 control system.

The scheme uses 4000K and high CRI throughout. All office and architectural lighting was supplied in a contemporary matte black finish. Integrated emergency lighting was supplied following closely the emergency lighting design schedule. 

 

The lighting was delivered on time for a successful completion in the Q4 of 2024.  The final result is a contemporary CAT A office scheme designed with sustainability and user comfort in mind. It is looking fantastic and we are very proud to have been part this fantastic redevelopment. 


Project in figures:

20 Hours of Lighting Design

14 Revisions

6 Made to Measure Oval shaped fittings

Working on a building with exposed ceilings?

We are experts in delivering lighting for exposed ceilings. Talk to us to see how we can help with your project. 

Working on a building with exposed ceilings?

We are experts in delivering lighting for exposed ceilings. Talk to us to see how we can help with your project.