Tate Modern Blavatnik Building

With sustainability a key focus for this project, we worked with Tate to challenge the strict levels of environmental control traditionally associated with the display of art, improving its sustainability credentials. This allowed us to adopt a passive approach to environmental control in most of the areas that weren't for the display of art. 

One of the more intriguing features of the project was the opportunity to utilise waste heat generated by the UK Power Network (UKPN) on-site transformers. As part of the upgrade, UKPN made waste heat available to Tate, rather than simply rejecting it to the atmosphere. This contributes to the year-round low energy and low carbon strategy.

An innovative use of waste heat is the application of desiccant dehumidification to control the summertime environment and relative humidity in the galleries.

A challenging feature of the project was the conversion of the oil storage tanks, which originally served the former power station on the site. These are now used as flexible gallery and performance spaces. The striking 30m diameter volumes, located below ground, have been furnished with extensive building services. This has enabled the areas to be used for a wide and varied programme of arts and cultural-based events and activities.