The UK’s first zero carbon Passivhaus office building has won the East Midlands Project of the Year award from the Chartered Institute of Building. 

The 6,000 sq ft building at Watermead Business Park in Syston, Leicester, was also highly commended in the Design and Innovation category of the recent Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors East Midlands awards.

Ground-breaking office let to Interserve Plc

Passivhaus is an assessment system which measures a building’s environmental efficiency and the working environment. Acting on behalf of Raynsway Properties, we let the ground-breaking office to Interserve Plc.

Optimising green credentials and reducing costs

Jane Taylor, Director in our Leicester office, said: “Interserve wanted to construct its own new regional office in Leicester using materials and methods that would optimise the buildings green credentials, significantly reducing energy costs and positioning it at the cutting edge of commercial property design. Watermead was the preferred location, with excellent accessibility and prominence. Raynsway Properties were approached with the project and embraced the inclusion of a Passivhaus building in their portfolio.”

Reaping the benefits of energy efficiency

With estimated utility costs at just £2,800 a year the building includes triple glazing, intelligent external blinds, earth tube technology and super-insulation.

Tom Watkinson of Raynsway Properties said: “Passive energy efficiency has to be the principle focus in delivering a low carbon development. The excellent collaborative approach on Watermead between the architect (CMPG), M&E Consultants (CPW) and the delivery contractor (Interserve) ensured that energy efficiency was built into the fabric and structure of the building for its entire life span.

“Raynsway offers a ‘can do’ approach to potential tenants. Addressing differing needs has helped us attract some very impressive tenants such as Lafarge Industries, Flogas (UK) Limited, Sytner Bentley and Dunelm Mills who relocated their headquarters to Watermead Business Park. The park is the only large, premium quality office development on the north side of Leicester.”