Nottingham architects CPMG have designed the brand new head offices that have recently been completed for Dunelm Group plc at Watermead Business Park in Leicester.  

Sustainability was high on the agenda when it came to designing the new offices, with a strong emphasis on creating an energy efficient building with low operating costs.

Particular consideration had to be paid to the orientation of the building and the choice of construction materials as this affects how the building acts environmentally; this careful design approach ensures that the internal working environment for the occupants is neither too hot nor too cold.

The heavy concrete cladding material and the exposed concrete floor and roof structures will create a thermal flywheel effect, smoothing out temperature variations during the day and cooling the building gradually overnight, similarly to how a church remains cool on a hot summer's day.

The all-glass office elevations ensure that the building is flooded with light whilst external electric venetian blinds are fitted to all south facing elevations to keep out glare and the hot summer sun.

In addition mechanical ventilation with heat recovery combined with opening windows was chosen rather than expensive air conditioning; this provides energy savings whilst also ensuring excellent occupier comfort. The building also has "solar stacks" like Victorian chimneys that draw hot air up and out of the building through the roof tops. Large flat roofs areas are available for future installation of photo voltaic panels to produce renewable energy.

"CPMG's design skill has added value to our business and made the HQ for Dunelm Group plc a pleasure to occupy. We recommend CPMG to any occupier or developer," Steve Barton, property director, Dunelm Group PLC.

"We have succeeded in meeting the client's aspirations to create a striking building that is also highly sustainable in its design," said Richard Flisher, director of CPMG. "Staff will enjoy the working environment and Dunelm Group plc will benefit from the building's efficiency and low operating costs." 

Bowmer & Kirkland were the contractors on the project, BSP Consulting the geotechnical, structural and civil engineer and CPW LLP, the mechanical and electrical consultants.