Client: The Environment Agency
Completion: 1998
Awards:
RIBA SW Region Countryside Design Award 2001:Commendation
A new office for The Environment Agency’s offices in Bodmin was completed in June 1998.The brief stated that a sensitive design with a high environmental performance was required. To compliment the Victorian architecture of two adjoining buildings, (the former officers’ mess and commanding officers’ residential accommodation) Form Design have designed a low level contrasting building which both addresses the environmental brief requirements and is sensitive to the parkland frontage of the site.
The following are key elements of the design:
- Structural timber frame from managed British Woodland,Green Oak and Douglas Fir – from the Longleat Estate
- Natural ventilation and high internal daylight penetration
- Planted, insulated roof providing a stable internal temperature, good visual qualities
- Use of ‘natural’ materials and finishes including recycled insulation material and timber cladding to reduce embodied energy costs