“The only green buildings we occupy that actually work”
“The only green buildings we occupy that actually work”
This is a quote from the European Property and Facilities Manager for a multinational occupier at the Courtyard, who has considerable experience of “green” offices. We take it as a great compliment, as sustainability is not a passing fad at the Courtyard; it is central to reducing both running costs and depreciation, leading to happier occupiers, reduced voids, and improved investment performance for Reedspace. Total utility bills (gas, electricity & water) for occupiers remain under £1 per sq ft.
Passive rather than active means are used to temper the internal environment, harnessing natural light and ventilation to give the individual occupant as much control as possible.
Walls are built of engineering bricks to increase thermal mass, but this also helps reduce maintenance and provides a feeling of solidity rarely experienced in offices.
The recent World Green Building Council report, Health, Wellbeing & Productivity in Offices, demonstrated that office design significantly impacts the health, well-being, and productivity of its occupants. The report proposed a simple, high-level framework for measuring organizational outcomes and linking them to both the physical features of buildings and employee perceptions. It also identified a ‘virtuous circle’ of good design that benefits both people and the planet—for example, by maximising daylight and enabling user control.
Sustainability also helped the Courtyard win the last Bracknell Design Award for being the best design in the Commercial & Community category built in the last ten years.
A panel of six judges chose the scheme from the 22 nominations for its energy efficiency, sense of place, and pleasant working environment. Bill & Katie Reed received their award from Cllr. Mrs. Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Planning and the Environment.
Comfortable working conditions throughout the year without the need for air conditioning
Comfortable working conditions throughout the year without the need for air conditioning
NATURAL LIGHT
Maximum natural light with minimum heat gain
PASSIVE COOLING
Secure aluminium louvres provide cross ventilation during summer nights, cooling the heavy structure to provide comfortable working conditions throughout the year without the need for air conditioning.
BIODIVERSITY
Surrounded by a landscaped environment and mature Oak trees
Natural Light
Windows are made from specialist glass which lets in the light, and keeps out the heat.
EPC B
An excellent EPC rating, helping future proof the Courtyard.
Biodiversity
Surrounded by a landscaped environment and mature Oak trees.
Low embodied carbon
The Courtyard has been designed for a long life aesthetically, as well as structurally.
Healthy
Every effort has been made to provide individual, pleasant working environments that minimise both running costs and depreciation.
Passive cooling
The heavy structure of the building, made from exposed engineering bricks and concrete floors, keeps the building cool in the day, and warm at night.
EV chargers
Sevadis 22kW MaxiCharger
EV chargers are becoming essential and Courtyard occupiers can have them on their building to provide fast charging direct from their own three phase power supply. This gives firms total control over the management of their chargers and electricity at the lowest possible cost.
Award winning sustainability
Sustainability helped the Courtyard win the last Bracknell Design Award for being the best design in the Commercial & Community category built in the last ten years.
