Western Power Distribution (WPD) depot in Spilsby, Lincolnshire has achieved a BREEAM Outstanding rating of 101.9%, post completion, making it the world’s highest rated BREEAM project at the time. Contributing to the rating was the long-lasting, air-tight envelope constructed from composite panels with its energy efficient liner.
Western Power Distribution (WPD) depot in Spilsby, Lincolnshire has achieved a BREEAM Outstanding rating of 101.9%, post completion, making it the world’s highest rated BREEAM project at the time. Contributing to the rating was the long-lasting, air-tight envelope constructed from composite panels with its energy efficient liner.
B3 Architects also ensured that every element of the design, construction and performance of WPD Spilsby, was carefully thought through to ensure that the building is as environmentally friendly as possible – this included the specification of responsibly sourced products.
WPD’s Estates Manager, David Withers said,
“We are delighted that the depot has achieved an outstanding rating which recognises our drive for sustainability and for providing colleagues with a first class working environment.”
Award winning energy performance
Designed by B3 Architects and built by WPD approved contactor, Speller Metcalfe, this new 650 m2 two-story, steel-framed depot in Spilsby has also achieved a top environmental award with an Energy Performance Rating of -2, which means it’s more efficient than a fully carbon neutral building.
The depot includes storage facilities and office space for around 25 staff, enabling them to provide a rapid response service to satisfy the ever-increasing demands of WPD’s customers in the area.
Client: Western Power Distribution
Architect: B3 Architects
Main Contractor: Speller Metcalfe
Sub-contractor: BC (Roofing Contractors) Ltd
A fabric first approach
Through a ‘fabric first’ approach, excellent U-value and air-tightness has been attained, making WPD Spilsby a fine exemplar of how zero carbon energy performance buildings can be constructed at a sensible cost and within budget. Every element of the design, construction and performance of WPD Spilsby, including the use of responsibly sourced products, has been carefully thought through to ensure that the building is as environmentally friendly as possible.
“WPD wanted a long-lasting, air-tight envelope to help reduce the operating costs of the building” says B3 Architects’ Michael Cooper, “and so we specified composite panels for the roof and walls. As well as being robust, quick to fit and cost-effective, the panels have a PIR core which provides the desired high level of insulation which greatly contributes to the BREEAM Outstanding rating.”
Responsibly sourced products
Another major plus for the project was that both of the Colorcoat® products used and the composite panels are certified ‘Very Good’ to BES 6001. This provides, at no extra cost, a route to obtaining the maximum number of credits available in the Responsible Sourcing of Materials sections of BREEAM for materials that are not being re-used which has helped WPD Spilsby to achieve its high recognition.
Energy saving liner
Installed by BC Roofing Contractors, a significant feature of the composite panel system is the Colorcoat® High Reflect (Bright White) pre-finished steel liner which is designed to provide at least 85% reflectance. This unique finish provides the optimum reflectivity for an internal liner which maximises the daylighting effect, thereby reducing the requirement for artificial lighting – giving annual energy savings of up to 12% and reducing CO2 emissions by 2-3% per year.
The panel with satisfies the client’s need for a long-lasting building envelope as the pre-finished steel is reassuringly backed by Tata Steel’s comprehensive Confidex®Guarantee for 40 years.
Using standardised specification methods developed as a result of working on nearly 40 depots for WPD has enabled B3 Architects to create a library of specific BIM component families and design processes. The Spilsby depot is also the tenth in a series of mainly fast-track BREEAM projects won by Speller Metcalfe under competitive tender.
By working closely together, this highly competent project team was able to review previous experience in order to continually fine tune their design and build approach to good effect. Delivered within 21 weeks, WPD Spilsby has also been assessed by the Considerate Constructors Scheme which ranked it in the top 5% of construction sites assessed in the UK.
Photographs: Courtesy of Speller Metcalfe