Design process
The technical strategy and solutions for the pumping function were devised by the in-house Engineering Division of Thames Water Utilities Limited. This involved considerable modelling, technical and cost calculation before the architectural project was commissioned. The superstructure's architectural form arose from its hydraulic engineering contents.
This process was significant, as the largest element of cost was the civil engineering. Given that this cost is proportional to the plan area, the lowest cost involved a layout with submersible pumps.
Once the technical specification was established, the client team posed the question of whether a building was necessary at all. This was particularly relevant given that the pumps would be submersed and the station would be an unmanned operation. However, the switchgear and generators needed housing, and significant cranage was required to handle the pumps. The cost of covering this equipment was relatively low in terms of the overall project budget. Having a building was also preferred by the planning authority but heritage considerations called for a building of quality. The entire operational site lies within the curtilage of Listed Buildings and within a Conservation Area. In addition, it houses two Grade 2 Listed pumping buildings. These are fine gothic style structures of honey-coloured brick with decorative terracotta insets and stone carvings. To win support from the planning authority and from English Heritage, the new building had to be of a fine design. Both bodies were interested in the site, and both were consulted during the design development.
Principles that were fundamental to the scheme were defined at an early stage. The first was that the planning authority preferred a contemporary design despite the heritage buildings already on the site. The second was the authority's wish for an architectural competition. The third requirement was that the building design should facilitate, not determine nor constrain, the technical performance of the station. This brief requirement was close to the client's heart, based on a previous experience of an architectural design being too directional on operations.
Six architectural practices were invited to enter a two-phase competition. The winning practice was selected because of the nature and quality of their design solution and because they were judged to be a team player. They were considered capable of contributing to design development without insisting that the building form should impact on operability, and without compromising aesthetics. After the award of planning consent, the architects began work with the contractor.
