News
13 November 2009
Pick Everard Aims Beyond Excellence in Phase Two of British Geological Survey HQ in Nottingham
Pick Everard architects are set to work their design magic on a second phase of development at British Geological Survey’s (BGS) headquarters, in Nicker Hill, Keyworth, in Nottinghamshire. Having completed the first phase, the futuristic £7million William Smith Building earlier this year, Pick Everard architects have been appointed by BGS to design an £8 million second phase.
The follow-on phase comprises two separate main projects as well as enabling and demolition works. The first project is a new two-storey office building for 100 scientific and administration staff. The second is a refurbishment of existing library accommodation to house a new main reception, conference & seminar facilities for 200 delegates, a geology shop and media centre.
The proposed design strategy for the new office, to be named the James Hutton Building, aspires to an even higher level in terms of innovation and sustainability, surpassing the achievements of the already impressive William Smith Building. The intention is to achieve more than just a BREEAM Excellent rating and to reduce energy use even further. The new office will have a high exposed thermal mass to retain heat in colder months and remain cool during the summer, reducing the need for energy-dependent systems for cooling and heating. Internally climate will be controlled by mixed mode ventilation systems.
The orientation of building is east to west, giving Pick Everard architects an opportunity to create principal elevations to suit the differing demands of direct north and south aspects. Engineered timber and glass will be used extensively to create a calm pavilion structure in a rural landscaped setting. The two floors of the open-plan office building, which will feature social breakout spaces, will be joined vertically through an open light well providing maximum natural light to the core of the building and topped with a clerestory lantern, aiding natural ventilation. External landscaping of the courtyard enclosed by the new and existing buildings will be a key feature of this energy-efficient development and is also part of Pick Everard’s design brief. It is expected to include a geology walk containing significant geological artefacts.
Mike Pole, lead project architect at Pick Everard, said: “The watchwords for this exciting second phase are efficiency and sustainability. Having already achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating for the groundbreaking William Smith Building, BGS’s aspiration is to achieve even higher levels of energy performance. We’re delighted to be playing such a key role.”
Outline design work has commenced and enabling works start in the New Year, with the majority of the construction during 2010 and 2011. Completion of the second phase is expected in spring 2012.
The William Smith Building designed by Pick Everard architects is the largest wooden-framed open plan office building in the UK, was completed in May 2009 and officially opened by the Princess Royal in July. The building is named after William Smith, who produced the first geological map of Britain in 1812, travelling on horseback.
The British Geological Survey is a research centre of the Natural Environment Research Council. Its headquarters are in Keyworth, Nottingham, and include the main offices and laboratories for the survey.
