LONDON BOROUGH OF ISLINGTON

Upgrading homes and energy provision at the Harvist Estate

 

Project Insight

The Harvist Estate project comprises two distinct project elements - recladding works and service upgrades to four high rise residential blocks, and a stand-alone low-carbon energy centre, which will provide heating and hot water to the blocks, and other neighbourhood buildings.

The project team, including Cullinan Studio, Elevate Everywhere, Conisbee, and Arup Facades, has collaborated closely with Islington Council to ensure the work is underpinned by a robust resident consultation process. This has helped to inform the main design elements, as well as high impact improvements to communal areas to ensure the Harvist Estate remains a place where people can thrive.

Project Design

High Rise Towers

The project comprises a range of works to improve both the thermal performance, appearance, and functionality for residents of four high rise blocks within Harvist Estate, including:

  • Removal and replacement of cladding to improve thermal performance, and enhance the appearance of the residential towers, bringing back texture to the facade and the original horizontal bands of windows.

  • Window replacement to improve functionality and thermal performance.

  • Improved U values and airtightness.

  • New roof finish and added insulation.

  • Redesign of external communal entrances and immediate landscape.

  • New heating and hot water systems - existing individual night storage heaters and immersion tank replaced with HIUs linked to communal low carbon heating system.

  • Boosted water supply.

  • Improved ventilation system.

  • Remedial works to structure as necessary.

Proposed new energy centre, creating a gateway to the estate.

Energy Centre

At the south end of the site, a new low-carbon energy centre will be created, housing large plant equipment including air source heat pumps and thermal stores. The energy centre will create a gateway to the estate. It will be connected to the high rise blocks through below-ground services, and will provide heating and hot water to the flats, and other buildings in the estate.