We are excited to announce that we are doubling the size of our studio! The increased work space will meet the needs of our ambitious expansion plans for the practice. The new studio will incorporate more meeting rooms and open-plan office space, utilising renewable systems for heating/cooling and water drainage.
The overall space will be 203 square metres, with PV (solar panels) on the roof generating the thermal power we need to run the Studio each day – renewable energy is simpler, cheaper and cleaner. Plus, we are installing a green roof, which will reduce the heat flux through the ceiling, meaning less energy is needed for cooling or heating. We will be using rainwater harvesting to feed our toilets, and hopefully our new vegetable patch, too!
Capturing water ourselves can reduce our water bill and help to reduce the stress on national reservoirs. Harvesting storm water can also reduce the possibility of flooding of the local neighbourhood, as it can relieve the main drainage systems if there are surges in surface water flow. So, all important stuff!
Work started on the 1 April (No April Fool!) and is due for overall completion in December this year. We hope to throw our opening party on the 14th December – we say hope, it will be a bit embarrassing if we don’t deliver on our own building!
We can’t wait to be in our new, spangley and spacious studio. Watch this space for more updates as we progress.