Sectors
Location
Manchester, United Kingdom
Client
Ask Developments
Architect
Jon Matthews Architects
Plot 9a is Ask’s next phase development on First Street and will be a Government Property Agency (GPA) new hub in Manchester. Having been part of the First Street development from its early stages, we provided multi-disciplinary engineering services for buildings such as the Innside by Melia 4* hotel, Q-Park MSCP and No.8 First Street.
The ground floor of Ask’s new Grade A 130,900 sq ft office provides communal amenity space, with nine upper floors of open plan and flexible office space, complemented by winter gardens, roof terraces, extensive landscaping and public realm works. The building is BCO specification compliant, embraces WELL building standard principles and aims for accredited Wired Certified Platinum.
The building is the first to be net zero carbon in operation on First Street, in line with the UKGBC net zero framework and targeting a 5.5* NABERS rating. To achieve this, the exterior façade was increased to reduce solar gain and associated energy demands from cooling systems, with improved insulation of the façade to reduce heat loss in winter. On temperate days, panels in the façade automatically open, facilitating natural ventilation that benefits occupant wellbeing and reduces plant operation.
David Everington comments, “Our teams employed a multidisciplinary approach to design the first net zero carbon building on First Street Estate. With a huge focus on wellbeing slotting in beside sustainable solutions, this project exemplifies our commitment to creating innovative, sustainable spaces in Manchester”.
We always intend for our designs to lead the market in its approach to sustainability, so to achieve net zero carbon operation is a brilliant step for our team.
