A sustainable transformation at 10 Brindley Place
- Project name
- 10 Brindley Place
- Project sector
- Workplace
- Completion date
- 01/06/22
- Client
- Associated Architects
- Ranges
- Target
In the bustling heart of Birmingham, a landmark building has undergone a remarkable transformation.
Setting new standards for sustainability and workplace wellbeing, the 10 Brindley Place refurbishment project, covering an impressive 210,000 square feet of Category A office space, is a testament to innovation, commitment to environmental responsibility, and a vision for the future of work.
Spacemade, a forward-thinking end user that manages a network of co-working spaces across the UK, partnered with Associated Architects to bring this visionary project to life. With sustainability at the forefront of the design brief, the project aimed to refurbish the building back to its frame, rather than opting for demolition, resulting in an estimated 60% reduction in embodied carbon over a 60-year building life cycle assessment.
Key design features reduce operational carbon as well. By adopting a fabric-first approach, the building has been made more energy-efficient, employing high levels of thermal insulation and air tightness.
The external facade was transformed using a brickslip system, enhancing both the building's aesthetics and insulation. Natural solutions, including a green roof, play a role in regulating the building's temperature, while an all-electric heating, cooling, and hot water system eliminates the need for fossil fuels.
A solar PV array on the roof harnesses green energy, contributing to the building's impressive 'A' Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating and BREEAM 'Excellent' certification. Predicted to consume 65% less energy compared to offices of similar size, 10 Brindley Place is not just a workspace, but an embodiment of ecological responsibility and technological advancement.
Smart Spaces, a leading smart building platform, has woven cutting-edge technology into the fabric of 10 Brindley Place, propelling it into the ranks of the most technologically advanced office buildings in the country. The result is a high-quality, amenity-rich, and sustainable workplace that perfectly aligns with modern occupier demands.
Among the array of amenities offered are private studios, coworking spaces, meeting rooms, a coffee shop with a roastery, and a 2,000 sqft auditorium and event space. The building caters to wellbeing with a fitness studio, bouldering wall, cycle storage, electric vehicle charging, and communal landscaped roof terraces. This holistic approach to work-life integration distinguishes 10 Brindley Place as a leader in designing spaces that prioritises the needs of both the environment and its occupants.
Solus Area Sales Manager, Lee Simmonds, played a pivotal role in bringing the project to fruition. Collaborating closely Associated Architects, Simmonds ensured the inclusion of Solus products that harmonised with the project's sustainable ethos.
“We prioritised occupant experience and wellbeing in our design approach, aiming to strike a balance between a contemporary look and meeting the building's technical requirements. Achieving key sustainability goals within budget constraints posed a challenge, so we collaborated closely with our factory partners to ensure the selected materials aligned with our objectives.
“For shared space lobbies and WC floors, we chose our Gravel range due to its technical attributes and warm aesthetic. In the Spacemade shared kitchen area, we aimed for a playful design feel, incorporating our Australasia mix pattern on the floor, which not only fulfilled the design vision but also met sustainability goals, as it was produced by one of the world's most ecoconscious tile manufacturers with full EPD certification. To enhance the contemporary ambiance, we used our Target range for the splashback areas.
“We were delighted to collaborate with Associated Architects on this ambitious and prestigious project.” Lee Simmonds, Area Sales Manager.
Laura Wilson-Brown, UK Head of Asset Management Offices at CBRE Investment Management, commented on the achievement: “10 Brindley Place delivers a new standard of space, meeting the flight to quality demands of the modern occupier.” The sentiment was echoed by Paul Stanley, Technical Director at Workman LLP's Venture team, who noted that 10 Brindley Place represents best practices in refurbishing and retrofitting large office spaces, leading the way towards a more environmentally conscious future.
The 10 Brindley Place refurbishment is more than a physical transformation; it's a statement about the commitment to sustainability, technological innovation, and occupant wellbeing. This Birmingham landmark now stands not only as a remarkable workspace, but as a shining example of what can be achieved when sustainability, design, and function converge.
CREDIT
- Architecture and Design
Associated Architects
- Main Contractor
Willmott Dixon
- Photography
Ben McPhee