News / Aztec West
£17m ‘game changer’ net zero office development in Aztec West completed
A former 1980s building in Almondsbury has been transformed into a net zero workspace development.
The £17m project has been described as a “game changer” in office space, putting sustainability at the heart of both the construction and running of the site.
Commissioned by CEG and delivered by Beard Construction, 1,000 Aztec West has been built using the existing frame and shell of the 1980s building to minimise the carbon impact.
Paul Richardson, investment manager at CEG, said: “1,000 Aztec West was redesigned with modern tenants’ key requirements in mind. From environmental sustainability and data connectivity to the wide variety of onsite facilities designed to maximise staff wellbeing, we have delivered city centre specifications not seen in out-of-town Bristol before.”
The addition of a new floor and three storey atrium has expanded the building from 38,000 to 80,000 sq ft, capable of housing an 850-strong workforce. Beard Construction has retained the original 1980s footings, frame and building structure in a bid to save carbon and removed the roof to create a new floor and roof.
“1,000 Aztec West was redesigned with modern tenants’ key requirements in mind”
The development has achieved BREEAM excellent. An all-electric building, it is powered by renewable energy and boasts energy-efficient heating, cooling and lighting systems.
According to the estimates, the design is expected to save some 1.7m kilos of embodied carbon, coupled with its ‘net zero in operation’ performance.
The new development includes a secure cycle block, showers and changing facilities to encourage sustainable travel. There is also a gym, wellness facility and daily classes on offer – all designed to boost tenant health, fitness and productivity.
The setting, alongside Aztec Lake, landscaped gardens and picnic areas and the rooftop terraces are designed to boost mood of the tenants.
Architect Ed Hayden, director of Scott Brownrigg, said: “Sustainability is achieved by retaining as much of the existing material as is practically possible and building passive energy and carbon saving strategies into the layout and fabric of the design. Overheating in the summer is negated with the careful specification of extremely high performing solar control glazing and the inclusion of ‘light shelves’ which bounce daylight into the heart of the building.
“The result is a strikingly contemporary reimagining of the workplace.”
The £17m project has been described as a “game changer” in office space
Speaking about the new development, Matt Cooper, director for Beard in Bristol, said: “Not only does it bring a state-of-the-art facility away from the city centre and out of town, but it sets the benchmark for sustainable, low carbon construction. This aligns closely with our core values at Beard and provided a fantastic opportunity to utilise our skills and experience in this area.”
All photos: 1,000 Aztec West
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