The conversation of a 1930s former laboratory building was ahead of its time in office design trends
Low energy design, staff wellbeing and a collaborative culture were at the heart of the brief.
Greenpeace was concerned that the building design should minimise CO2 emissions and that the internal environment should be as free as possible from any factor that might contribute to Sick Building Syndrome.
The project maximises use of the substantial window areas in the existing building to provide controlled and natural lighting and ventilation, and uses a combined heat and power plant to provide heat and electricity.
Looking ahead to circular economy
The design team were asked to take into account the environmental impact of the various materials that were used in the project. Materials were carefully selected to minimise their impact on the environment in manufacture, use and ultimate disposal.
A new internal accommodation stair has been inserted through the centre of the building to provide closer connection between the different parts of the organisation on the four floors. The stair is suspended within a larger stairwell which admits additional light into the centre of the building as well as enhancing ventilation by stack effect.