Brief: The development of a new Headquarters office building in Solihull for Lafarge Cement. The building is located on a brown field site bounded by an existing open air car park and an access road to Birmingham International railway station. 

The Engineering Difference:

A concrete frame for the main wings increased the thermal mass of the building. Coffered ceilings provided greater exposed areas of mass as well as interest. The main façade of the building faces south and has been engineered to limit solar gain.

Key Aspects: 

• Upflow ventilation that utilises free cooling and provides good Indoor Air Quality
• Use of glazing with good solar shading co-efficient to balance with daylight factor
• Careful design of façade to minimise solar gains and the use of horizontal shading set 1.5m from the face of the façade, maximises diffuse daylight penetration.
• Energy metering at all distribution points, monitored by the BMS against use trends

Client: Stoford Developments Ltd for Lafarge S.A.

Value: £10m approx

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