last updated 6th October 05
by 4ecotips.com

International builders merchant's proposals take shape

A comprehensive selection of state-of-the-art, eco-friendly appliances and building techniques are to be showcased in a unique, commercial, sustainable building centre, the first of its kind to be built in the UK and, possibly, worldwide. The project is the brainchild of international builders merchants the Wolseley Group and is to be built on land adjacent to its UK HQ and major feeder warehouse in Leamington Spa.

Planning approval has been granted and the initial idea is to get a core of product and materials manufacturers involved at this very early stage who will have a major input into its construction. It will be fully accessible to building professionals, trades people and the public to visit and view the latest energy efficiency technology available.

The concept caters for regular updating of systems and products as technologies develop and move forward.

Designed by ECD Architects which specializes in sustainable buildings, the form of the new building is a bow-fronted, two-storey gallery wing with a double-height, east/west oriented internal "street" and a single-storey facility block. On one side of the street will be the principal showrooms and on the other are to be a 40-seat meeting room for presentations, plus administration and catering facilities.

The building form is to be deliberately compact to minimize external surface area. Thermal mass is to be provided by the concrete support structure and throughout insulation will be to higher levels than the latest amendments to the UK Building Regulations.

Two roof finished are proposed. Zinc standing seam for the main gallery/street and sedum green roofing for the lower roof. Modular photovoltaics are to be integrated into the fabric, as well as solar thermal collectors.

The sustainable building centre's main heat source could be provided by a natural gas or biomass fueled combined heat and power (CHP) micro plant, with possible back up from a ground source heat pump (GSHP). A wind turbine will provide further site-generated electricity.

In fact it is hoped that the excess energy generated by the centre will provide a power supply for Wolseley's major feeder warehouse closeby.

Water conservation within the sustainable building centre will be controlled through aerated taps, automated controls, dual-flush loos and waterless urinals.

And, being adjacent to some fine, Warkwickshire countryside, the building will "ease" into its rural boundary with a number of landscape features including a balancing pond and water feature.

Of course, one problem with a project of this nature is, like the Millennium Dome, making sure it's not outdated before it's completed in 18 months time!