The Challenge

To design a low carbon eco-friendly flexible office space capable of sub division into smaller units.

The building roof line could be no higher than the existing treeline.

To optimise the use of low energy materials incorporating highly insulated walls and roof elements

The Solution

The building was orientated to optimise daylight and minimise heat loss with restricted openings to the north and an open courtyard to the south elevation. Solar shading was achieved with a deep roof overhang and vertical solar blades providing shading and screening from low winter sun. The building benefits from a sustainable urban drainage system utilizing a feature mood pool as a water storage facility.

The Result

With the project completed in 2009, the result was a building that afforded total flexibility for the client allowing multi use space with minimal disruption

The project resulted in modern low carbon office development with very good BREEAM rating and the utilisation of air source heat pumps generating more than 20% renewable  energy.

External materials were incorporated that reflected the forest location, with the use of timber prominent within the design.

The design resulted in an extremely efficient net to gross ratio.