Statesman House

Maidenhead, UK

Project details
Client

Royal London Asset Management

Architect

Aukett Swanke Architects

Duration

2019-present

Services provided by Buro Happold

Building Services Engineering (MEP), Energy consulting, Infrastructure, Sustainability

The Statesman House development encompasses two office buildings offering 15,000m² and 9,000m² of floor area. An adjacent new residential structure will contain 125 apartments.

Catering for a range of enterprises, this project will go some way to addressing a shortage of suitable premises for small businesses requiring office space in Maidenhead that has forced some local employers to look elsewhere. The client brief for the offices is to create exceptional workspace characterised by striking architecture and the uppermost levels of sustainability.

Buro Happold has been engaged to consult on energy and sustainability along with building services.

Challenge

Statesman House is a pioneering delivery project for the new Design for Performance (DfP) / NABERS UK initiative, which aims to close the gap between design intent and actual performance. Based on measurable outcomes, this approach culminates in the verified performance and rating of the building in operation.

The engineering strategy is targeting the highest possible environmental standards, which includes addressing climate risk, minimising embodied carbon emissions from construction, and enhancing operational and system energy modelling with the DfP initiative.

The aspiration is to achieve BREEAM Outstanding, WELL Platinum and Wired Score Platinum , which are the top ratings under each accreditation scheme.

statesman house green office space in maidenhead
Our client is committed to achieving the highest environmental performance targets for this cutting-edge office building. Image: Aukett Swanke

Solution

Our team has completed the RIBA Stages 1-2 design and submitted the project for planning approval. The priority was to develop energy use intensity targets through a combination of modelling and benchmark reviews, including LETI, UKGBC and BBP to inform early design optimisations.

The objectives of the sustainability strategy were to minimise overheating risk by way of a passive design approach with a high-performance glass solution. This is crucial to reduce peak cooling demand, deploy efficient fossil fuel systems – using a hybrid variable refrigerant flow system for heating and cooling via air source heat pump – and use green technologies, such as solar photovoltaics. We also undertook advanced HVAC systems modelling to test and develop the design during the early stages.

The building services strategy includes specifying an extensive Building Management System (BMS), which will control and monitor all energy use while monitoring environmental conditions, occupancy levels and occupant behaviour. This information will generate a data set that we will review to continuously fine-tune operation of the systems. Consequently, the building operator will be provided with feedback to enhance energy efficiency.

statesman house green office space in maidenhead
Our experts were challenged with ensuring the building meets the stringent sustainability requirements demanded by these accreditation schemes. Image: Aukett Swanke

Value

Imaginative solutions are needed to radically cut energy demand for commercial buildings if we are to usher in a net zero carbon economy for the UK. Alongside performance-driven outcomes such as using all-electric systems, it is essential that we concentrate on post-occupancy monitoring and refinement to enable a green recovery. It is exactly these measures that the Statesman House project explores and showcases.

Buro Happold’s work has resulted in targeted improvements to the building fabric far beyond building regulations standards; this includes optimisation of heating, ventilation and HVAC system design, domestic hot water systems, lighting, and power to non-lettable spaces.

Adherence to the DfP approach creates a chain of custody from client requirements through to construction, commissioning, fine-tuning and the long-term disclosure of performance. This will secure a stronger capital return for the building, reduce occupier utility costs and provide assurance that the specified operational energy target will be met. Apart from being a triumph of sustainability and economics, this development will also furnish Maidenhead with outstanding real estate that allows local businesses of all sizes to prosper.

statesman house green office space in maidenhead
We developed design strategies that will minimise the building’s environmental impact and ensure it is as resource efficient as possible. Image: Aukett Swanke

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