CASE STUDIES Return to list of case-studies Letting the light shine in! - Ecoplus System windows and doors specified for new Ecology Building Society HQ. The new headquarters for the Ecology Building Society in Silsden, West Yorkshire has been designed to showcase the society's environmental principles and demonstrates many interesting features of sustainable design. Designed by Hodson Architects, the building's environmental features include a sedum planted nature roof, rainwater harvesting system and use of photovoltaic cells. The building will also boast a circular meeting room constructed using rendered straw bales. The building is designed with a more defensive cellular structure against the road and a lightweight timber and glass construction over the open plan office areas facing onto the private garden areas. Windows play a central role in maximising daylight in all parts of the building and Mark Hodson of Hodson Architects specified Green Building Store's Ecoplus System for the majority of windows and doors in the building. Green Building Store was chosen as a local company that had been recommended and which had a demonstrable commitment to the environment. Green Building Store's Ecoplus System was also specified because of its use of Iplus ultra-low emissivity glazing which would make an important contribution to the building's thermal efficiency, with a glazing U-value (centre pane) of 1.0 w/m2k. 'Build tight, ventilate right' was a central principle in the design of the building. A pressure test undertaken immediately prior to occupancy achieved a good result (better than the targets set), demonstrating that the building, with its Ecoplus System windows and doors, is achieving effective airtightness. In addition, the Ecoplus System windows and doorsets supplied for the building are treated with inorganic borate timber treatments and finished using natural oil based OS Color timber finishes. By using safer timber treatments that do not off-gas, the Ecoplus System windows and doors also help to create a pleasant and healthy work environment for Ecology Building Society staff and visitors. Architect: Hodson Architects: 28 Chantry Lane, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire DN31 2LJ, Tel: 01472 327991, Fax: 01472 327982 E-mail: info@hodsonarchitects.com, Web Site: www.hodsonarchitects.com Client: Ecology Building Society, Belton Road, Silsden, West Yorkshire BD20 0EE Supplier: Green Building Store, Tel: 01484 461705, www.greenbuildingstore.co.uk