- Winner of AJ100 Award 2023, Collaboration Project of the Year - 

 - Winner of Building Awards 2023, Net Zero -

 - Winner of Greater Cambridge Design & Construction Awards 2023, Best Conservation, Alteration, or Extension of an Existing Building, David Mackay Award for Engineering and Sustainability -

 -Shortlisted for AJ Retrofit Awards 2023, Workplace -

 - Shortlisted for Mixology Award 2023, Positive Impact and Workplace - 

The Entopia building is a retrofit of a 1930s former telephone exchange, creating a new home for the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL). The ground-breaking project exemplifies a fabric-first approach combined with embodied carbon and circular economy principles. The institution is a global leader in sustainability, and with the design team developed challenging environmental and wellbeing targets of EnerPHit (the Passivhaus standard for retrofit) WELL Gold and BREEAM Outstanding – believed to be a world first for all three standards.

Our involvement in the Interior Design and Furniture Consultancy succeeded in breaking new ground to challenge the industry. We took on a broad and technically challenging role, prioritising circular design principles, the use of bio-based materials and nature-positive design solutions which satisfied both stringent sustainability and wellness criteria–while making sure the space is uplifting, joyful and reflected the client’s strong ambitions and mission. Our role included space planning, interior design, bespoke furniture design, specification of furniture and finishes, as well as wayfinding and artwork.

We constantly referred back to the values of a circular economy while sourcing furniture for the project. As a result, over 60% of the furniture was second-hand.

“The team at Eve Waldron Design brought enthusiasm and creativity to our fast-paced project - a flagship retrofit for Cambridge. Their expertise has helped us embrace new ideas and opportunities for the greatest possible impact in this inspirational space dedicated to sustainability and inclusion.” 

Clare Shine, CEO and Director of CISL.

Photographs by Jack Hobhouse©