AHR has built on extensive in-house research
and worked closely with Environmental
Engineer Max Fordham to develop a pioneering
environmental strategy for the project: it is
the first in the UK to implement BSRIA Soft
Landings to target an exemplary DEC A rating,
which it is expected to achieve in 2017 once it
has been in use for two years. This rating will
confirm Keynsham Civic Centre as one of the
lowest energy consuming public buildings in
the UK. The offices have already achieved an
outstanding EPC A rating and the project is
almost carbon neutral.
Every aspect of the design of the building was
considered to provide optimal environmental
performance, starting with the building’s
orientation and form which reduced the
requirements for mechanical ventilation and
lighting. An innovative timber (CLT), steel and
concrete structure not only created bright and
welcoming interiors but also reduced heating
requirements and construction time.