Kingston Council has approved the redevelopment of the River Club in New Malden, designed by Graham Ford Architects.
Located in Metropolitan Open Land, the project aims to enhance the club’s facilities, including new padel tennis courts, a swimming pool, a modern gym, exercise rooms, changing rooms, medical facilities, a café, social spaces, a bar, and a crèche. These improvements are intended to retain existing members and attract new ones.
The project emphasises sustainability, using a matrix based on One Planet Living principles. It aims for zero carbon in use, with the building fully powered by electricity, utilising air and ground source heat pumps, and solar PVs on the gym and pool roofs. The structure will be highly sealed to minimise heat loss, with a mechanical heat recovery system for ventilation. Mixed-mode ventilation will be used in summer, while winter will see fully mechanical operation to retain heat.
Efforts to reduce embodied carbon include using materials like timber that sequester carbon. The project aligns with the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge, targeting a 60% reduction in operational energy, a 40% reduction in embodied carbon, and a 40% reduction in potable water use. The design promotes accessibility and aims to enhance community assets, biodiversity, and sustainable water management through a green roof and rainwater collection.
The café will serve local produce, and the site will improve cycle and pedestrian routes, linking to The Hogsmill Local Nature Reserve. A mass timber structure will reduce the carbon footprint and create a warm environment. The construction will minimise waste with standard-sized panels for easy disassembly and reuse. The building will offer a comfortable acoustic environment and optimal conditions for health and well-being, utilising natural ventilation to reduce energy consumption.
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