← Imperial DZ1← Imperial DZ1

DZ1 is a pair of buildings that will provide a variety of social spaces for the students and staff of Imperial College London, as well as for the local community around White City. DZ1 is the first plot being developed in the next phase of Imperial’s White City Campus and will connect the existing campus to the new development that is separated by the elevated Westway dual carriageway.

The site is almost entirely covered overhead by the main Westway carriageway and slip roads that descend on either side, while three rows of concrete columns are the only parts of this infamous piece of London infrastructure that touch the ground. This context provides extraordinary constraints as well as unique opportunities in equal measure. The two buildings aim to make what should be the worst part of the masterplan the most active and interesting as well as ensuring a welcoming public realm connecting the campus.

We won the project by responding to and enabling Imperial to build their brief and configure the ingredients that most suited this complex site. Building H1 is designed as a food and drink hall, with generous double height spaces that respond to both the Westway undercroft and the colonnade that connects the proposed masterplan buildings. Building H2 will be a social hub for Imperial’s students, staff, and visitors. Both buildings are designed to be flexible and responsive to the needs of the university as Imperial builds its future in White City.

Sustainability is a key driver for the project and aims to be exemplary of Imperial’s ambition to be net zero by 2040. A timber primary structure and curtain wall system, designed on a simple grid with future flexibility in mind will enable this. The warmth of the timber interiors is complimented by a robust and crafted external expression, composed of stainless steel and a fluted ‘veil’ of terrazzo. Landscaped outdoor areas, connected to the broader network of public spaces which form the backbone of the southern part of the campus, will further enhance the environment, designed by acclaimed landscape architects West 8.

"Turner Works has responded to our brief in this unique location with two buildings which celebrate their surroundings and welcome our community. As with everything we are doing at White City Campus, the buildings will meet the highest sustainability standards." —  Sarah Cary, Imperial’s chief development officer for White City