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Warehouse for The Wine Society

Project Details

New Build

Practice

Vincent and Gorbing Ltd

Sterling Court , Norton Road , STEVENAGE , Hertfordshire , SG1 2JY

The warehouse is the first building of its type in the UK to use off-site construction techniques involving pre-formed wall panels of the hemp and lime cement-based energy-saving material Tradical Hemcrete. The design responds to the requirement for minimal heating and cooling equipment with the resultant 65% reduction in energy consumption. This is principally achieved by the use of the exterior wall cladding material Tradical Hemcrete which offers excellent insulation properties and maintains a stable internal air temperature throughout hot summers and cold winters. Wine is best stored at between 13°C-16°C and will only accept slow temperature variations. The storage of large volumes of wine (liquid) at a low temperature provides an excellent source of thermal mass which contributes to the steady-state environment. Storage is eight pallets high, taking full advantage of new forklift truck technology and allowing a good return on investment. Standard warehouses only store up to five or six pallets high. The 21m double height structure comprises a combination of steel frame, internal Tradical Hemcrete wall panels, exterior composite panels, Kalwall and a highly insulated roofing system providing an insulated internal space which exceeds current Building Regulations.