Ethos Celebrates the Completion of Grand Canal Harbour
02 Oct 24Grand Canal Harbour
Preserving History, Building the Future
At the heart of one of the most historic dockyards, Grand Canal Harbour has been transformed into a vibrant residential and commercial community, boasting 596 modern units across six striking blocks. The development ranges from three to thirteen storeys, featuring over 7,000m² of resident amenities, including cafes, a fitness centre, and beautifully landscaped roof terraces that offer communal outdoor spaces.
Beneath the surface, a 5,500m² single-level basement houses the Power and Energy Centres, which are pivotal to the project's energy efficiency. These centres serve 482 one-bedroom and 114 two-bedroom homes, ensuring they all achieve a collective A3 Building Energy Rating (BER).
Innovative MEP Design for Sustainability
Ethos took the lead in the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) design, incorporating energy-efficient technologies to enhance sustainability throughout the complex. A combination of Air Source Heat Pumps and Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems ensures optimal energy efficiency by generating both heat and electricity, which significantly reduces operational costs while promoting sustainability.
One of the standout features is the district heating system, which is cleverly diversified to optimise energy efficiency. Recognising that not all apartments require peak heating simultaneously, the system was designed with a lower total capacity than the combined individual peak demands, improving overall performance while reducing costs. This design approach not only supports reliability but also contributes to the project’s sustainability goals.
Amenity Spaces: Combining Functionality and Aesthetics
In the amenities spaces, Ethos implemented high-efficiency Heat Recovery Units and advanced air conditioning systems, allowing for individual control of each area. Whether residents are enjoying a coffee in the café or working out in the fitness centre, the environment is comfortable and energy-efficient.
Lighting throughout these spaces was thoughtfully designed to align with the architect’s vision. A combination of LED spotlights and strip lighting enhances the ambience while delivering high-performance, energy-efficient illumination. This careful blend of form and function contributes to the overall aesthetic appeal of the development while minimising energy consumption.
Solving Challenges with Creativity: The Fitness Centre
One of the most notable challenges Ethos encountered was designing the fitness centre on the first floor of Block 2. Due to the primarily residential layout, headroom was limited, necessitating a highly creative approach to maximise space. Ethos developed an innovative solution by routing cables and ducts through designated footfall areas and installing wall-mounted air conditioning units, keeping overhead areas clear. Working closely with architects and acoustic specialists, Ethos ensured that the design integrated seamlessly with the building’s aesthetic while maintaining functionality.
The result is a sleek, modern gym with optimal air conditioning and unobstructed space for tenants. The gym is enhanced with stylish strip lighting, providing both a functional and visually impressive workout environment.
Honouring History: The Restoration of Grand Canal Harbour’s Protected Structure
A central aspect of the Grand Canal Harbour development is the restoration of the 18th-century Harbour Warehouse, a protected structure steeped in history. Originally opened in 1785, the building was in use until the 1970s, when it was an integral part of the site’s industrial past. Ethos played a key role in ensuring that this iconic building was carefully restored and integrated into the new development.
The restored warehouse now features a glazed atrium and houses a variety of commercial and community amenities, including a medical centre, café, retail units, and co-working spaces. These spaces are powered by energy-efficient mechanical and electrical systems, ensuring that the building not only retains its historical integrity but also meets the high-performance standards required in modern developments.
A Public Plaza that Connects the Old and New
Tying the new residential development to the historic warehouse is a public Plaza, designed to serve as a versatile outdoor space for markets and events. At its centre, a striking water feature pays homage to the site’s maritime history, while dramatic feature lighting highlights the protected structure, ensuring that it remains the architectural centrepiece of the entire development.
Grand Canal Harbour is a testament to Ethos' ability to deliver cutting-edge, energy-efficient designs while honouring the history and heritage of a site. The project seamlessly blends modern living with historical preservation, offering residents not only a place to live but a vibrant community enriched by the past. From energy-efficient systems to thoughtful lighting and innovative problem-solving, Ethos has ensured that Grand Canal Harbour is both a model of sustainability and a beacon of architectural and engineering excellence.