The Problem: Garmin wanted a new facility for 60 staff to dine and relax and exercise. The key issue in delivering this is the feasibility of a gaining planning permission and complying with building regulations. The challenges included avoiding flooding by rising floor levels, including a watsewater treatment plant requested by the client and complying with fire regulations. The client’s brief: The brieef requested new staff facilities to support the employees on site including: A canteen area with kitchenette and seating spaces for approximately 60 people. Changing rooms and toilets. A dedicated locker room. A fitness area. A key requirement was to ensure a clear separation between the fitness area and the rest of the building, while minimising the impact on access and ongoing use of the existing site. Architect’s response to the brief: We designed a single storey building located at the end of the Southern car park. The building can be accessed via a covered entrance. The location minimises the impact on existing vegetation and avoids increasing the impermeable surfaces, as the building is positioned on a paved area. The building is completely separated from the existing warehouse, to avoid impacting the existing structure and the fire escape routes. The design maximises natural daylight within the building while the surrounding trees minimise the risk of overheating. We have investigated the use of a fiber cement cladding on the outside. The project was developed in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team including civil and M&E engineers, ecologists, transport consultant, arboricoltural specialist and sustainability consultant to prepare documents and information for the planning submission. Architectural Services Provided: Architectural Design Planning Permission