The problem/challenge: ONE Creative Environments’ (ONE’s) was commissioned by ZX Lidars, the team behind the original ‘wind Lidar’ used to measure the wind in onshore and offshore wind energy projects, to design an innovative and sustainable new HQ and R&D facility in Malvern, Worcestershire on the edge of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
The design solution:
Client testimonial: “It was never going to be ‘just’ an office, nor would you expect it to be either if you know us. Willow End isn’t just part of our future, it will help to support the family we are, and it will welcome our new members as we continue to grow. Something truly amazing has been created with a fantastic design from ONE Creative environments.” Ian Locker, Managing Director, ZX Lidars.
ZX Lidars’ new >4,000sqm headquarters designed by ONE Creative environments (ONE) opened its doors in November 2023: a highly sustainable, low energy development which enhances, and maximises the benefits of, Malvern’s natural surrounding environment.
Sustainability and low energy design are core design principles and are fully integrated, using the RIBA Sustainable Outcomes as guiding principles for the development.
The 2.56-hectare site, which is relatively level ground, is adjacent to an existing business park on the edge of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The setting provided further considerations and opportunities for ONE’s Landscape Architecture team to enhance the natural environment, boost biodiversity and provide a wealth of other benefits, such as supporting the health and wellbeing of staff.
The process that led to the final design:
Invisible social, environmental and spatial facts:
Environmental, Sustainability and Biodiversity: The project included the enhancement of existing habitats e.g. retained hedges and the creation of more diverse habitats within the site boundary: traditional orchard creation, native hedgerow creation, scattered tree planting, sustainable drainage pond, wildflower meadow areas, sedum roofs, allotments, swales and marginal landscaping.
Features to provide opportunities for: bats, birds, invertebrates, amphibians and hedgehogs have been incorporated into the development. Creation of the wildflower grassland will reduce management costs and greenhouse gas emissions, as fewer cuts are required (when compared to short-mown grassland). The wildflower grassland will be beneficial to pollinators, invertebrates and to fauna which prey on such species, e.g. birds.
The sustainable water cycle was designed in accordance with BREEAM Excellent Wat 01 values. The sustainable drainage pond was designed to provide a constant water body to encourage water borne species of flora and fauna, whilst providing necessary space for water retention during events of high rainfall.
Social, Health and wellbeing: Meandering footpaths provide opportunities for staff to walk through the newly formed orchard and wildflower meadows, whilst providing places to sit and enjoy stunning views of the Malvern Hills. A timber observation deck provides a viewing platform of the pond for staff and visitors, whilst offering opportunities for privacy/reflection.
Indoor planting is incorporated into the office areas to help draw the natural environment into the building. The dining space provides stunning views towards the Malvern Hills, serviced with a fully functioning kitchen offering breakfast/lunches.
Sustainable connectivity and transport have been considered and allotments are included for staff’s recreational use, encouraging people to grow fruit and vegetables.
Spatial and commitment to diversity and inclusion: The site is fully accessible internally and externally with no ramps or handrails necessary to access different parts of the site. To ensure level access for staff and visitors, earthworks movement was undertaken to provide a consistent finished floor level between units and maintain a minimum of 1 in 21 gradient for paths which run around the facility and form car parking areas.
The following are comments from the Planning Committee:
Find out more on our client’s website here: https://www.zxlidars.com/welcome-to-willow-end/
Location: Malvern, Worcestershire, UK.
Design year: 2020/21
Year Completed: 2023
