Environmental awareness and sensitivity to its context was at the heart of this project for AB Dynamics in Bradford on Avon. The second building on the campus, ABD sought a building that was practical, progressive, and demanded low-regulated-energy when in use – that is energy to power the ventilation, heating, and lighting.  The design achieves this through the incorporation of passive systems, utilising energy efficiency measures and providing low or zero carbon energy sources, such as the use of extensive north lights, solar shading to the south-facing glazing and high levels of insulation in the walls and roofs and photovoltaic panels on the roof. The east west orientation allows the building to benefit from solar gain in the winter months; the brise soleil, canopy and first floor balcony details ensure that the south façade is protected from overheating during the summer.

A significant landscape buffer was incorporated to the south of the site, providing a biodiverse environment for local flora and wildlife species. Within the site the efficient layout ensures that vehicle movements are limited, and electric car charging points are provided and easily accessible. The in-use electrical power is provided by solar panels on the south facing slopes of the north lights. Excess energy generated by the solar panels which is not required in use is fed back into the national grid. A displacement ventilation and heating system was selected as this provides the best quality working environment and is particularly effective in the large volume manufacturing and office spaces. All luminaires are LED and include daylight adjustment, automatic PIR controls and designed-in measures to ensure the most efficient use of power.

During construction Rydon ensured heat loss was minimised through carefully checking all airtight membranes. Long-term sustainability has been ensured by designing the facility to be easily adaptable, allowing it to meet ABD’s ever-changing business needs.