A new dynamic glazed wall was added to the west façade facing Cambridge
Heath Road, providing passive regulation of noise, heat, sunlight and
ventilation. The windows are set back from the façade to provide solar shading
and acoustic protection. PV panels on the roof offset energy consumption
and wildflower green roofs are located at second and sixth floors levels to
encourage biodiversity. A large south-facing communal terrace on the fourth
floor provides outdoor space for informal meetings and relaxation and there
are over 80 bicycle parking spaces.
Inside, a full height atrium opens up the lobby space at ground floor and provides
natural light and sky views from each floor’s circulation space, while acting
as a place for impromptu conversation. The central exposed CLT cantilevered
staircase is the pivotal connection between the existing concrete building and
the timber extension. This innovative design was made possible using resin
bonded steel rods placed within the treads, with the half landings suspended
from steel tension system. Open plan kitchens encourage active collaboration.
Use of recycled carpet tiles, low energy lighting and water saving technologies
contribute to reduction in VOCs, electricity and water consumption.
Andrew Waugh, Director at Waugh Thistleton Architects, said: “Our commitment
to championing environmentally-friendly building practices is perfectly
aligned with Ethical Property’s own longstanding approach to sustainability.
Creating workplaces out of CLT offers huge benefits both to the client, in terms
of the cost and efficiency of the programme, and also the end users in terms of
a warm and comfortable work environment.”
*The building halves CO2 emissions in use from the notional benchmark of
91.7 tonnes of CO2 per year to 45.8 tonnes of CO2 per year.
www.waughthistleton.com
CONRAD PEBERDY, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF ETHICAL PROPERTY, SAID “SINCE WE STARTED
20 YEARS AGO, OUR POLICY HAS TO BEEN TO ALWAYS ENSURE OUR CENTRES ARE AS
ENVIRONMENTALLY – FRIENDLY AND SUSTAINABLE AS POSSIBLE. WITH THE GREEN HOUSE
PROJECT WE WERE VERY LUCKY TO HAVE FOUND AN ARCHITECT WITH THE SAME VALUES AS US
WHO HAS DESIGNED A WONDERFUL SPACE THAT EMBRACES SUSTAINABILITY”.