Albourne Court
Creating the greenest possible solution...
Ecotecture showed how replacement of the existing agricultural barns, in preference to conversion, was the most sustainable strateregy for the site.
As a result, these contemporary low-energy use offices were constructed (in 2007) to a high specification using an oak and steel frame, cedar cladding and very high levels of insulation.
Planning consent was granted using the Sustainable Development in Rural Areas government policies (PPS7) which were newly released at the time. Ecotecture produced a striking design which is considered an marked improvement to the site.
The buildings were thermally modeled and designed to facilitate a natural ventilation strategy with the open-plan office working as a passive stack system. Glazed facades were orientated around the solar pathway and the design allowed for natural daylighting whilst controlling glare and overheating in conjunction with an external shading system.
Other ecological features included a sustainable drainage system (SUDS), new wildlife pond and a travel plan to encourage sustainable modes of transport.
