Closing the performance gap with pioneering workplace design

4 Angel Square

Manchester, UK

Set within the NOMA mixed-use redevelopment scheme, 4 Angel Square (4AS) will provide over 200,000ft² of commercial office space within one of Manchester’s most vibrant new neighbourhoods.

The engineering strategy aspires to extremely high environmental standards – including net zero carbon – by combining leading sustainability design and wellbeing knowledge to create a future-proofed working environment with low occupational costs.

Buro Happold was engaged to provide structural and building services engineering (MEP). We also took design to RIBA Stage 3; as contractors progress Stage 4, our consultants monitor the details to ensure integrity of performance.

This pioneering project is among the first to measure environmental performance according to the NABERS UK rating.

4 Angel Square will use no fossil fuels whatsoever.

Using an energy supply that is 100% renewable, the building creates net zero operational carbon.

Promoting wellbeing and sustainable commuting, the facility offers 212 secure bike spaces.

Challenge

This pioneering project embraces an innovative Design for Performance (DfP) approach, which aims to close the gap between design intent and actual performance. The building is among the earliest adopters of NABERS UK, a world-leading environmental performance rating tool for commercial property. Against this standard, the design has been conceived to achieve a rating of five stars – Excellent – on a scale that returns a maximum score of six.

Launched in 2020, this system is an adaptation of a successful Antipodean programme – NABERS stands for the National Australian Built Environment Rating System – that can be used to measure outcomes that produce verified performance and rating values. More than 86% of the Australian office market now has a NABERS rating. The transformative impact has seen average energy intensity improving by 36% since 2010; NABERS asserts that their customers have saved an average of 30-40% on their energy over 10 years.

The environmental element of this project had to be delivered in the context of exceptional office space that would appeal to a range of tenants. From a standard design, the client requirement escalated to encompass heightened sustainability levels. This involved Buro Happold undertaking a high-level assessment on improving carbon performance later in the process than is usual.

Solution

We took a team approach to the refined brief, working closely with the architect – SimpsonHaugh and Partners – and client to discern the most appropriate measures and how to incorporate them while maintaining aesthetic themes and core functionality.

A rich, deep green concrete facade will clad the steel frame office block with imposing two-storey facade modules featuring a discreet transom. The structural design remains efficient while handling the top portion of the trapezoidal building, which independently rotates on its central axis. This introduces two cantilevered edges on the seventh floor to convey a sense of drama to the facade. The office space within is completely column-free.

The building will be environmentally conditioned with heat pumps. The LED lighting, too, is extremely efficient while the roof has been used to house banks of photovoltaic panels. All systems are electric – no fossil fuels are involved.

The office space has been reviewed by the NABERS Design for Performance scheme and has successfully fulfilled its commitment to achieve the NABERS performance rating ahead of occupancy. Further evaluations will take place in the premises once the building is in use. As well as meeting expectations for the NABERS UK rating, the building is also on track to meet the targeted standards of BREEAM Outstanding (Excellent guaranteed), EPC A and WiredScore Platinum.

Value

New thinking is needed to significantly reduce energy demand for the UK’s commercial buildings. Such new thinking does not, however, need to be complicated. Indeed, Buro Happold’s collaborative approach to developing and realising the client vision is underpinned by extremely simple engineering that facilities managers will be easily capable of operating for years to come. Meanwhile, energy monitoring via smart controls that link to mobile phones will promote occupier engagement.

Alongside performance-driven outcomes, the use of post-occupancy monitoring and verification makes 4 Angel Square an example for others to learn from as we all work towards a national – and global – green recovery. Apart from being a triumph of demonstrable sustainability, this project will enhance a burgeoning community for the people of Manchester to enjoy as a workplace, home and leisure destination.