Stride Treglown office awarded BREEAM Outstanding at design stage

Architect Stride Treglown's new Cardiff office has become the first office project to be awarded a BREEAM Outstanding at design stage.

The building scored 89.12% under the scheme and is predicted to emit 14.2kg/m² of carbon-dioxide per year and achieve an A energy performance certificate rating. This represents a reduction of 55% of the target emissions allowed under the Building Regulations.

The emissions reduction is achieved by using a wood pellet biomass boiler for space and water heating and a small array of roof-mounted photovoltaics. Energy efficiency is aided by the adoption of a natural ventilation strategy providing fresh air during the day and cooling at night.

With an anticipated annual energy load of 18.3MW/h per year for space and water heating, annual running costs for the biomass boiler are anticipated to be as little as £700. Water usage will be minimised with the adoption of spray fittings, low water use showers and toilets and grey-water recycling for toilets.

Construction of the 500m² building is now under way, with completion expected in April.

Gareth Davies, director of Stride Treglown, said, “We have been seeking new offices for some time and our board challenged me to deliver a new office building in Cardiff that represented our approach to high-quality design, was affordable and achieved the highest sustainability rating available.”