Peterborough Innovation Centre – sustainability competition
Client: East of England Development Agency
Status: Competition entry 2003
In collaboration with Arup, we were searching in this project for ‘real world sustainability’. Our design consolidated the knowledge of sustainability available at the time to establish a base building that was thoroughly responsible, onto which developing technologies such as photovoltaic and wind generated power could be applied as they became economic.
The proposal was a simple cubic building, with flexible office spaces arranged around a central escape, lift and utility core. The depth of the offices permitted single-sided natural ventilation for most areas and three-section façade glazing allowed multiple options for temperature control. Winter gardens were integral to the building’s social and environmental strategy. They enhanced daylight penetration and ventilation whilst generating social space. These areas would be comfortable all year with beneficial solar gain in winter and internal shading in summer.
