Primary Substation for 2012 London Olympics was completed in 2009 under strict time and budgetary constraints. It was commended by Cabe, and the local planning authority, for a sensitive, context driven approach to design.

The design was developed closely with the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) with the shared ambition to deliver an enduring design solution. The principles behind the building design are:-
• The building form and materials make strong reference to the local industrial context.

• The use of brick imbues the building with a sense of gravity and permanence against the changing backdrop of the Olympic site as it moves through games and legacy modes.

• Choice of robust materials and detailing ensure longevity and minimal maintenance.

• Sculptural form anchors the building within it’s setting and gives appropriate identity to energy supplier EDF Energy.

“Substation is a great success and to give the ODA its dues, it is an inspired piece of commissioning. It is successful because it is a great contextual design, rather than somehow being more authentic and honest due to its dark-brick, rectilinear form” Blueprint Magazine, 29 July, 2009: Tim Abrahams

“Expectation that this building might represent one of the more utilitarian contributions to the Olympic project proves entirely misplaced. If all the buildings on the site prove as good as this one, we really will have nothing to worry about” - Building Design Magazine, 09 October, 2009: Ellis Woodman

The project won an RIBA Award in 2009, was long-listed for the Stirling Prize in 2010 and won the Public Building of the Year and Supreme Winner at the Brick Awards.