Project Information
Probably the most ‘eco’ office environment in Kent.
We required a new headquarters to accommodate our growing team. Purchasing a new build industrial unit was the goal, with the intention of fitting it out as an exemplar workplace, demonstrating what we do day-to-day; create lean, sustainable environments by modelling, planning and designing the most energy efficient solution. By introducing new technology and systems we have optimised the lowest possible operational carbon output through lighting, ventilation, heating, hot water, cooling, and utilising renewable sources of energy.
The two-storey unit on Henwood Industrial Estate in Ashford was a shell, back in November 2023. In less than 6 months we created a building that is carbon negative in operation and that a Building Control Officer has described as ‘next level’ in terms of energy efficient design (EPC rating A+ -8).
- Service
- MEP design, install and commissioning
- Location
- Ashford, Kent
- Handover Date
- 2024
- Client
- ECO MEP
Delivery
How have we achieved this?
Modelling of the load consumption, including heat loss calculations against the design, dictated a 20KW system requirement.
This power level was achieved by a JA solar panel system being installed to the unit’s roof. The usage modelling was based on the introduction of the most efficient product solutions for heating and ventilation using a Kronoterm air source heat pump unit and including Vent-Axia’s Sentinel Apex and Breathing Buildings’ NVHRe units. Sensor monitored, the entire space is now air quality and temperature controlled, based on demand.
With windows on two sides of the first floor, which accommodates our open plan office environment, temperature and sun glare is managed through climate-controlled intelligent Lutron shading being introduced.
Artificial lighting within the unit, when required, is also demand driven utilising PIR, as well as lighting zones being created above each desk to ensure no energy wastage, and individual user adjustment for when natural light is low or to be set to their own personal preference.
The sun is also used to power the heating of the water supply with products again selected for their efficiency in only providing hot water when needed. On the ground floor where a kitchen, toilet and shower facilities are situated is a Heatrae Sadia water tank, and upstairs in the open plan area’s teapoint, a Quooker Combi tap.
Come and see it for yourself
As well as providing our team with a comfortable and intelligent workspace, we also aimed to allow our new headquarters to be an ‘experience centre’ where we can host clients, showcase products and demonstrate the potential of a building (even an industrial unit), and what can be done when energy efficiency and sustainability is your goal.