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commercial offices special report
BUILDING PROJECTS
Right, the feature staircase in Imagination House and, below, the cafeteria
balustrade on the side facing the campus and a timber balustrade on the Grand Union-facing side reflecting the softer natural aspects of the waterway. The bridge, pre-fabricated off-site, is finished with a composite decking system while subtle lighting gives it an attractive glow at night. “The bridge acts as a centre piece for the landscaping and
mediates between the two differing environments – natural and architectural,” explains Collyer. “We had a lot of fun with the design, which has quite complex geometry because it‘s gently curved in plan, referencing the geometry of the buildings, and the surface is cambered. We collaborated extensively with the structural engineer and landscape architect to get it right and ensure the initial design concepts weren’t lost. “During the design of the footbridge we liaised closely with
the Environment Agency to ensure that it was of adequate height above the water. If it were too low it could potentially cause flooding in certain conditions.” Environmental considerations are important to
Imagination Technologies. The first phases have already been awarded BREEAM Excellent status. Employees are encouraged to use public transport, walk or cycle to work. Rows of photovoltaic panels sit on the roofing along with solar thermal panels on top of Imagination House to help provide hot water for the cafeteria.
Collyer says: “Ultimately, our objective has always been to
create an office campus that reflects Imagination Technologies as a company and creates an environment that’s pleasant to work in, but also works well within its surroundings. “When phase three opens this year we will have realised
that goal.”
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