Restrained green
Headquarters for the UK’s largest charity, this development proves sustainability can be executed on a budget. Low-rise, open-plan, beautifully restrained.
📍Location
Swindon, UK
🏢Building Details
Completed 2005
Winner of 12 prestigious awards including 2006 RIBA Sustainability Award and 2007 Civic Trust Sustainability Award
76,500 sq ft – trapezoidal shape
Combines 4 regional offices, uniting dispersed employees
👷🏾♀️Contractor
Robin Butler, Managing Director @ KierMoss
✍️Architects & Engineers
Guy Nevill, Owner & Managing Partner @ Birling Estate; previously Senior Partner @ Max Fordham LLP
🌱Sustainability
BREEAM Excellent: CO2 emissions 65% lower than similar developments
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
Developed on brownfield site: removed contamination from Brunel’s Great Western Railway complex
🥦 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; doubles-up as acoustic screens to create enclosed breakout areas with pulley system
🎈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 https://fcbstudios.com/work/view/national-trust-headquarters
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