Archetech Issue 51 2020 | Page 79

“ Everything at 6 Orsman Road , from the exposed timber to the waterside setting , has

been designed to make customers feel calm , focused and inspired .
STOREY
To further enhance the sustainability of the building , 6 Orsman Road has photovoltaic cells on the roof which are a renewable energy source . The expansive rooftop terrace has been designed by landscaper FFLO and is bio-diverse , featuring a brown roof , insect boxes , edible plants and fruit trees .
DESIGNED TO ENHANCE PRODUCTIVITY AND WELLBEING Everything at 6 Orsman Road , from the exposed timber to the waterside setting , has been designed to make customers feel calm , focused and inspired . Storey worked with leading acousticians Sandy Brown to develop acoustics guidelines for the office to ensure that there were a range of spaces where productivity would not be impacted by bustle and noise ; the timber surfaces and panels within the building have a special acoustic benefit , absorbing sound and so improving comfort .
Other areas within the building have been created for noisier and more collaborative work , such as the lounge and the café , ensuring activities at different noise levels happen in different spaces .
At 6 Orsman Road a cross-laminated timber ( CLT ) structure has been used to reduce the building ’ s impact on the environment , as compared to concrete and steel CLT production requires less water and energy to manufacture . CLT is also exposed internally at 6 Orsman Road , minimising the number of finishes used on the structure , and the offcuts from the building have been repurposed to make furniture within the shared spaces of the building .
Throughout 6 Orsman Road a range of all-natural materials have been used , including clay finishes and marmoleum tiles , which when paired with natural daylight and air-purifying plants come together to create a working environment that actively boosts productivity and improves wellbeing . Studies by the World Health Organisation have found that the use of biophilic design can increase office productivity by 8 % and wellbeing by 13 %, and companies with timber interiors report higher staff retention , and fewer employee sick days .
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