Award winning architects Watkins Gray International have submitted a planning application on behalf of Canada Life Ltd to South Gloucestershire Council for two new office buildings on the Aztec West Business Park near Bristol.
The £10 million (approx. 11.5 mln.) new-build scheme at Aztec West 300 will create separate three-story and two-story buildings with a floor area of 56,000 ft², replacing existing accommodation on the site which is judged not to meet current expectations, such as compliance with statutory requirements and low energy building performance criteria.
Peter Rowell, project architect, Watkins Gray International, comments, "These two new buildings have been deliberately designed to provide office accommodation that meets the high standards demanded by occupiers, including a careful consideration of building performance and low energy usage.
"The buildings will include environmental and sustainable aspects, including displacement ventilation and heating system, a rainwater harvesting system for toilet flushing, and a ground source heat pump which will provide cooling through boreholes.
"The design incorporates a north facing glazed atrium and reception, secure bicycle storage area, and high specification changing facilities. The south façade also features areas of high specification glazing and solar shading to reduce solar gains".
To reduce visual impact on the nearby residential area, the heights of the new buildings have been carefully considered, while landscape screening has also been introduce to enhance and emphasise the boundary between the two new offices.
Aztec West 300 is designed to achieve a Very Good BREEAM rating following a careful building analysis.
Source: FD
