Description
We successfully completed the construction of a new 2,674m² two-storey office block together with associated car parking, external works and drainage.
The building frame is a combination of steel structures and Grade A finish concrete walls. The steel frame supports a cantilevered first floor slab and a suspended concrete slab roof system is completed with a combination of Trocal membrane, profile lead roofing and limestone slabs to roof access areas.
Full M&E fit-out was carried out.
External wall finishes are a combination of timber and stone cladding. An iroko brise soleil along the southern and western facades, essentially a series of outdoor timber blinds running horizontally along glazed sections to shade the interior & prevent overheating and glare helps to passively cool the building.
Internal finishes include hardwood doors & glazed screens, raised access floors, ceramic wall and floor tiling, painting, carpet tiles, vinyl and carpet floor coverings, timber and suspended ceilings, blinds, bench seating, reception desk etc. Stairs are concrete with stainless steel handrails and balustrades.
The building is a well insulated structure and includes natural ventilation and lighting, solar thermal panels, a mechanical air handling system in the floor to help cool the building. If the temperature inside at night is sufficiently warmer than outdoors, fans kick in and blow fresh air under the raised access floor and up into the space above. Throughout most of the building, heat is distributed via trench heaters set into the raised access floor. The main foyer has underfloor heating though, while some rooms have low pressure hot water (LPHW) radiators.
All offices are fully fitted-out with power & data services fully co-ordinated with the furniture layouts.
This project was ‘‘Highly Commended’’ in the OPUS Architectural & Construction Awards.
