This project saw think architecture invited to participate in a limited competition to design the first of a new family of buildings located on one of Leeds’ premiere business parks.
The brief for this project called for a building that was both attractive and sustainable achieving a BREEAM Excellent rating.
In addition the usual requirements for the building to be lettable, flexible in use and fundable were also understood.
An important part of the proposal was also to propose an appropriate image and built language that would respect the previously successful formulae of existing buildings whilst putting down a marker for this being the first of a new generation of offices.
Looking to BREEAM and the ever increasing targets that are set, together with rising fuel costs, the focus for the office design was very much at reducing energy usage and carbon emissions.
Further studies in this regard suggested that a focus on good daylighting and reducing energy usage, associated with mechanical ventilation, should be a key driver in the design.
A series of option studies were undertaken the result of which led to a design solution that minimised site dig and reduced impact on existing infrastructure and loss of car parking spaces. With office accommodation on two floors the proposed building can be used easily by a single occupier or alternatively sub-divided for multi occupation. The selected option presented a wide range of possible building and M+E solutions with the one drawn having a concrete frame, chilled ceiling and mixed mode displacement air/natural ventilation with the ability for top up cooling.
High ceilings supported a mixed mode ventilation strategy as well as providing the required daylight levels. The daylighting was maximised by the introduction of roof-lights to both the floorplate and central atrium. Solar protection was proposed through an additional protective skin, acting akin to a ventilated facade whilst providing a striking image to the building, signalling it’s evolution from the earlier buildings on the office park.
