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Leeds
New Build
First Floor, Old Town Hall , Church Street , MARKET HARBOROUGH , Leicestershire , LE16 7AA
The Client wanted to create an iconic statement which would also combine high levels of sustainable and environmental design. The building is the first in the UK of its type to be predominantly naturally ventilated reducing reliance on mechanical services. Being in open countryside meant that the building had to maintain a relatively low height profile so dramatic over-sailing wing profile roofs create a horizontal emphasis. The roofs are supported on a series of irregular spaced angle columns creating a sense of structural drama. A central rotunda identifies the entry point into the building. An inclined glass wall naturally ventilates the building monitoring wind pressure and temperatures. A back up heating and cooling system using ground source heat pumps and thermal mass floor slabs are only utilised when temperatures within the building go beyond acceptable parameters. Grey water recycling and SUDS drainage systems complete the sustainable package.