Manse Opus were thrilled to win the ESG award for the Cadent Gas building at Prospero Ansty. The BCO (British Council for Offices) awards were held at the ICC in Birmingham last Friday and celebrated excellence in office spaces across the Midlands and Central England.
The event was a great opportunity to stimulate new thinking on the design, development and occupation of offices whilst recognising the achievements of each company in the industry.
Manse Opus were delighted to take away the ESG award for the project, a three storey head office building for Cadent Gas.
‘We entered the regional awards for BCO and in my opinion, it is one of the best awards to win given the technical detail that the judges wish for’ Managing Director, Richard Smith commented.
‘We are very aware of the importance of ESG moving forward and I think this is some achievement given that all shortlisted applicants for all the awards were put forward for the ESG category.’
The Cadent Gas building, provides a 10,000 sqm state of the art office building principally set around a full height atrium with office accommodation on the ground and two upper floors, together with a basement gymnasium facility.
The building itself was designed immediately proceeding the COVID-19 outbreak and was constructed during the pandemic itself. As a result, much of the innovation in the building was to fulfil two criteria, firstly a place in which employees wanted to come back to work and secondly, providing a safe and healthy environment in which to do so.
Some of the sustainable measures implemented include; air-source heat pumps to mechanical heating and cooling systems, enhanced U-values to external fabric, EPC A+ rated building and a rooftop array of photovoltaics.
‘The significant provision of photo voltaic panels on the roof, entrance and ancillary buildings provide power to the building and reduce the building carbon footprint.’ Richard said.
‘The building optimises the use of natural lighting and minimises use of artificial lighting in daylight hours. This includes the main building light well and reducing reliance on artificial lighting.’
In terms of health and wellbeing, the building provides cycle facilities in excess to local and BREAAM requirements, with a direct and safe path to securely store the bikes. It also provides a gym, studio and staff shower and changing facilities, again, in excess of any requirement, to encourage an active and healthier lifestyle for employees.
With a demanding brief and an even more demanding programme, the end result exceeded occupier’s expectations, creating and enticing, flexible and efficient working environment for all employees.
Through a modern and attractive design, and the use of highest-quality materials, the office building has instantly become a local bright modern reference, bringing notoriety to the area.
