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Bedminster Down office ‘one of finest in UK’
The 1970s may not be universally recognised as one of the most environmentally friendly decades, but English Heritage has selected a Bristol office block as one of the finest examples of post-war architecture in the country.
The former Central Electricity Generating Board building in Bedminster Down, also known as The Pavilions, was built between 1975 and 78. English Heritage said it is “an interesting example of an environmentally-friendly ‘campus style’ office building”.
Built by architects firm Arup Associates, the building was judged to have has “survived well and retains high quality fixtures and fittings”.
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Somewhat ahead of its time the building is an environmentally-friendly design constructed with advanced engineering techniques for its time.
The unusual complex is as an early example of green building standards. It was originally built with a swimming pool which was used to help cool computing equipment. Although the pool is now gone many of the original energy-saving features are still used, such as the building’s “hollow deck” which stores cold night air which is used to cool the building during the day.
The building is now owned by Computershare and was fully re-furbished in 2011. Chief executive Naz Sarkar said at the time: “I love this building. It’s eccentric yet completely functional. You can work here for years and keep finding something new.
Deborah Williams from English Heritage said it “merits listing because of its quality design and materials”. She added that the building reflects “the design principles of architects Frank Lloyd Wright and the Arts and Crafts movement”.
“Despite some alterations over the years, it remains largely intact and is an excellent example of a low-energy commercial building of the 1970s.”
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