Orthodontic products manufacturer and distributor Ortho-Care Ltd’s new £2.5m headquarters at Shipley, Bradford is one of the first in the UK to fully comply with the latest revisions of the Part L 2010 building regulations.
Whilst many construction projects are being delayed due to concerns about implementing the stringent energy performance standards, Ortho-Care’s 25,000 sq ft development is making good progress with ground works due to commence in spring and completion scheduled for late 2011.
Specialist Part L compliance advice was provided by Leeds-based consulting engineers and energy assessors Walker Walker Ltd, who together with architects Robinson Design and project managers MNB Partnership, have ensured the innovatively designed building achieves optimum energy performance.
Walker Walker director Ian Walker says: ‘Early involvement is a vital success factor.
‘There is a lot of uncertainty about the implications of Part L but by being involved right from the concept stages we have been able to contribute directly to the design and ensure considerable cost savings as well as compliance.
‘This is a fabulous project to work on; it’s in a heritage buffer zone and the client is aiming for the very highest standards not only in terms of aesthetics but functionality, too. Having completed comprehensive energy modelling, we were able to integrate the optimum heating, ventilation and lighting solutions.’
A large part of the three-storey building, as well as the external feature lighting, will be entirely lit by second generation occupation controlled light emitting diodes which are not only highly energy efficient but exceedingly low maintenance – 50% energy loading across a 15-year lifespan.
Each area of the building is zoned according to function – warehousing, manufacturing, offices, staff canteen, gym – and has mixed mode heating and ventilation solutions.
Robert Blundell, associate architect with Robinson Design added: ‘The implications of the Part L regulations on the design process are significant but with expert advice from energy consultants like Walker Walker this need not be problemmatic, and can in fact prove to be a catalyst for a more holistic approach when designing new buildings.’
Walker Walker is also currently providing Part L energy performance advice for a range of new developments across the country including; a medical Centre at Grimsby, a care home at Keighley, University refurbishments in Bradford, student accommodation in Leeds, Sheffield and Glasgow and a number of football and rugby stadia.
