Restrained green
HQ for Europe’s biggest conservation charity, the National Trust, this building proves sustainability can be executed on a budget. Low-rise, open-plan, beautifully restrained.
📍Location
🏢Building Details
76,500 sq ft, 2-storeys – trapezoidal shape
Completed 2005, combining 4 regional offices
Winner of 12 prestigious awards including 2006 RIBA Sustainability Award + 2007 Civic Trust Sustainability Award
👷🏾♀️ Developer & Contractor
Tina Lewis – Director of People @ National Trust
Robin Butler – Managing Director @ Kier
✍️Architects & Engineers
Peter Clegg – Founding Partner @ Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
Ian Taylor – Partner @ Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
Guy Nevill – Former Senior Partner @ Max Fordham LLP
Scott Rushford – Principal Engineer @ Max Fordham LLP
Paul Cockram – Associate @ Applied Acoustic Design
🌱Sustainability
BREEAM Excellent: CO2 emissions 65% lower than similar developments
Developed on brownfield site: removed contamination from Brunel’s Great Western Railway complex
Over 1,000 photovoltaic roof panels generate 30% of annual electricity requirement
Natural light and ventilation philosophy: saw tooth roof ensures even distribution and 3.7m floor to ceiling height maximises airflow
Minimum daylight factor of 5% to all regularly occupied areas – minimises artificial light
🥦 Wellbeing
Central atrium roof glazing allows sunlight to illuminate communal areas throughout the day
Ventilation ‘snouts’ (made from recycled beer cans) provide year-round wind-driven ventilation whilst maintaining sky view
High-level acoustic control: suspended acoustic baffles control reverberation in open plan meeting space; through pulley system, they double-up as acoustic screens to create enclosed breakout areas
2 internal gardens provide light, air and natural beauty – one is a kitchen garden supplying garnishes for staff meals from the in-house café
🎈Bonus feature
Bespoke carpet made from the Trust’s flocks of Herdwick sheep is used throughout. As well as being highly durable, the commission supports local farmers. You herd it here first.
🔗 Check it out
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