Elizabeth II Court, Winchester

Project team

Client:Hampshire County Council

Architect:Bennetts Associates

Structural Engineer:Gifford

Project Manager/QS:Mace

M&E Engineer:Ernest Griffiths

Main Contractor:BAM

Date of completion:2009

The transformation of this 1960s office was facilitated by its concrete structure, which provided a solid starting point that could be easily adapted. Reusing the concrete frame saved 50 per cent of the embodied energy required to construct a new building.

In addition to the re-use of the structure, concrete from the partial demolition were recycled, crushed and re-used as aggregate.

Space utilisation has improved, with the building now accommodating 1,100 employees compared to 625. The external appearance and working environment has been transformed and exceptional levels of sustainability are being delivered through measures such as an innovative wind driven ventilation system.

The operational carbon footprint has been significantly reduced due to the exposed concrete soffits, solar shading and intelligent lighting and water-saving systems.

The project has secured a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating and was extensively monitored by the Carbon Trust.