The Greenhouse is a prototype for a zero-carbon office designed to bring together eight NGO groups, each with an environmental agenda, into one building.

Design: 

The energy strategy forms an integral part of the building design concept: the aim has been firstly to reduce energy demand in use, and secondly to harness passive energy sources. Good passive design is essential in reducing energy in use. Internally, floorplates are linked by a central spiral ramp to enable fluid connectivity between occupier groups, creating an efficient, enjoyable working environment.

The building envelope acts as an environmental filter, to mediate external and internal conditions.

To develop the elevation, we used generative components (parametric modelling) to optimise the ratio of solid to glazed cladding elements, based on solar analysis data. The result is a greater glazed area to the north of the building, with a corresponding increase in solid area on the north façades most affected by solar gain.

Innovation:

Prefabricated composite façade panels use hemp, which

captures carbon over the life of the building and helps stabilise the internal temperature through a phase changing process, effectively acting as a thermal store. The remaining energy demands are matched against the most appropriate renewable technology for the site.