The Project
The GSK London headquarters project at 79 New Oxford Street is a state-of-the-art workspace designed to be accessible, inclusive, and sustainable, aligning with the company’s ambitious environmental and well-being goals. Covering 150,000 sq ft and housing 3,000 employees, the building aims for a BREEAM Outstanding rating, reflecting its commitment to energy efficiency and innovation.
To support this vision, Waverley installed the S3 Synchronised Solar Shading system, integrating over 560 automated roller blinds with the building’s KNX-based Building Management System (BMS). This advanced shading solution automatically adjusts to sunlight and temperature changes, reducing glare, optimizing natural light, and maintaining indoor comfort. By using weather stations and room setting plates, the system ensures a seamless, energy-efficient user experience.
Sustainability was a key priority, and the project incorporated Kvadrat’s Eco fabric, a high-performance, environmentally friendly material that enhances thermal efficiency. By reducing reliance on artificial lighting and air conditioning, the shading system contributes to lower energy consumption and operational costs, supporting GSK’s net-zero carbon ambitions.
How does this Project demonstrate the diversity/flexibility of KNX?
This project is a prime example of smart building technology, showcasing how KNX-integrated solutions can create a future-proof, efficient, and sustainable workspace.
The GSK London headquarters project showcases the flexibility and interoperability of KNX through its seamless integration with Fortune Tech panels and the KNX Radio Mesh network. Waverley’s S3 Synchronised Solar Shading system was linked to the Fortune Tech panels on-site using KNX Radio Binary Input devices, allowing wireless communication within the KNX Radio Mesh infrastructure specifically built for this project. This setup ensured efficient control of the 560 automated roller blinds, providing a reliable, low-latency connection without extensive cabling.
To bridge the KNX network with the building’s BMS, a Tridium JACE was installed, acting as a gateway between KNX and the wider building management system. This allowed for real-time data exchange, enabling dynamic blind adjustments based on environmental conditions while maintaining full BMS integration.
A mix of KNX products from Jung, Gira, and others were used to achieve the project’s requirements, ensuring seamless compatibility and high-performance automation. Additionally, specialist KNX Radio Binary Transmitters were sourced with the support of My KNX Store, helping to meet specific technical needs.
This project highlights the versatility of KNX, demonstrating how it can be used to create a fully integrated, scalable, and efficient smart building solution by linking multiple manufacturers’ products into a unified intelligent control system.
How does KNX add value and ease of use for building owners/occupiers
The GSK London headquarters project delivers exceptional value and ease of use for both building owners and occupiers through seamless automation, energy efficiency, and user-friendly control. By integrating Waverley’s S3 Synchronised Solar Shading system with the KNX-based BMS, the project ensures that 560 automated roller blinds operate effortlessly without the need for manual adjustments.
Occupants benefit from enhanced comfort as the shading system automatically adjusts to sunlight and temperature levels, reducing glare while maintaining optimal indoor lighting. The integration with Fortune Tech panels via KNX Radio Binary Input devices allows for wireless, real-time control, providing a responsive and intuitive user experience.
For building owners, the system’s intelligent automation reduces energy consumption, lowering operational costs by minimizing the need for artificial lighting and climate control. The KNX Radio Mesh network enhances scalability and flexibility, allowing for future modifications without costly rewiring. Additionally, the JACE gateway links KNX to the building’s BMS, ensuring centralized monitoring and control for streamlined facility management.
By incorporating KNX products from Jung, Gira, and others, the system is robust, reliable, and highly adaptable, offering long-term sustainability and efficiency. The ease of sourcing specialist components through My KNX UK Store further ensured a tailored solution.
This project demonstrates how a well-integrated KNX system enhances usability, comfort, and operational efficiency, creating a future-proof, intelligent workspace for GSK.
How has this project resolved an identified need for the building user and/or developer ?
The GSK London headquarters project resolved a key challenge for building users by significantly reducing M&E (Mechanical & Electrical) installation costs through the S3 Synchronised Solar Shading system. Unlike traditional blind systems that require individual power spurs and complex wiring, the SMI/KNX-based solution streamlined the installation process, minimizing both material and labour costs.
By utilizing KNX Radio Binary Input devices and integrating them into the KNX Radio Mesh network, Waverley eliminated the need for extensive hardwired connections, reducing the overall cabling infrastructure required. This approach not only cut down on installation time but also lowered the number of fused spurs necessary for power distribution, providing a cost-effective, scalable solution.
Additionally, the integration of a Tridium JACE gateway allowed for direct KNX-to-BMS communication, removing the need for separate, proprietary control systems. This further simplified the electrical design, reducing panel space and control cabling, while ensuring seamless automation and monitoring.
Ultimately, the S3 system’s KNX/SMI integration provided significant M&E savings, cutting installation costs, reducing ongoing maintenance, and delivering a future-proof, energy-efficient shading solution for GSK.
