news
Eco friendly community building complete
28 May 2008
Work is now complete on a community centre which will serve residents of the Arbury Park development in Cambridgeshire, a new neighbourhood created by developers Gallagher Estates.
The 4,000 sq ft building designed by wcec architects features a green nature roof, a low maintenance planted roof system which is fitted with drainage and low growing layers of plants and foliage. As well as creating a stunning rooftop display of colour when the plants are in bloom, the foliage recycles CO2 into O2 creating a healthy micro-climate and improving air quality in the immediate environment.
Rainwater is soaked up by the plants on the roof which reduces flood risk and helps to add additional sound proofing to the building. Increased insulation reduces the need for heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer, lowering the buildings running costs. Nature roofs also provide new habitats for wildlife helping to attract insects, birds and butterflies.
Facilities inside the community centre, which will be managed by Cambridge City Council, include offices, a cafe, meeting rooms and changing facilities
Arbury Park will provide a contemporary, attractive and vibrant new Cambridge neighbourhood. Located on the northern fringe of the city, close to Cambridge Regional College and the Science Park, the mixed-use development will deliver much needed housing, with 900 new homes - including a high percentage of affordable housing - as well as employment opportunities and a primary school.
Alex Wall, Partner at wcec said: "With today's emphasis on sustainability and the environment, the nature roof sends out a clear message that architects and the construction industry have a real commitment to delivering buildings which can have a positive impact on the environment. This is a trend which is certainly on the increase, and green roofs are set to become a familiar site throughout the UK".
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