BGS enters a new era with the opening of its renovated siteThe Princess Royal
The new William Smith Building, as it is known, takes the form of two three-storey rectilinear wings arranged in an ‘L’ formation with a quarter hemisphere atrium at the knuckle, clad in curving ETFE pillows. The atrium encloses curving stairs leading from open balconies at each floor level down to ground level. The two wings – open plan with a few cellular offices – have stairs and cleaning facilities in a narrow block across each end, with lavatories and kitchens at the inside corner of the north block.
The contract called for a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. The current score is 73.7 per cent – better than Excellent. Green aspirations meant measures such as sheep’s wool insulation, rainwater harvesting, low-energy TermoDeck HVAC and visibly natural and weathering materials such as terracotta, copper, timber and, this being a major centre for the study of geology, stone.
Commended in the Sustainability category at the regional finals of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors’ (RICS) East Midlands Awards 2010.
Role
- Structural engineer
- Civil engineer design and detailing of associated highways, drainage and external works
- Detailing of associated highways, drainage and external works
Client
British Geological Survey
Contractor
ROK SOL Construction
Architect
Maber
Project Description
300,000 sq.ft open-plan timber-framed office.
Value
£7,000,000
Completion
2010
