A Synthesis of Sustainability and Functionality
The new headquarters of Unusual Rigging, situated in Bugbrooke, Northamptonshire, embodies a revolutionary approach to building design, seamlessly merging cutting-edge circular economy principles with a focus on user experience and functionality. This two-storey building, set on a 4-acre site, is a standout example of the UK’s first new build circular building, achieving an impressive EPC A+ rating and producing more energy than it consumes.
Biophilic Design and Low-Carbon Materials
The HQ’s design prioritizes biophilic principles, incorporating natural planting and organic forms to create a healthier and more productive workspace. The use of glulam timber frames, natural biogenic materials, and breathable natural paints ensures a high level of energy efficiency and minimizes embodied carbon throughout the building. The incorporation of cork flooring, recyclable carpet tiles, and Accoya timber cladding exemplifies a commitment to long-term sustainability.
- Materials selection focused on low embodied carbon and high reuse potential
- Cradle to Cradle certified materials and reversible fixing methods used to minimize waste
- Breathable natural paints and Cradle to Cradle certified furniture selected for indoor air quality and ease of disassembly
Renewable Energy and Sustainable Systems
The building incorporates various sustainable systems, including rooftop photovoltaics and an air-source heat pump, to reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources. The incorporation of these systems showcases the building’s dedication to minimizing its environmental footprint.
| Renewable Energy Source | Rooftop Photovoltaics | Air-Source Heat Pump |
| Sustainability Benefit | Reduced reliance on non-renewable energy | Improved energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions |
Innovative Materials and Construction Methods
The Unusual HQ serves as a test bed for innovative materials and construction methods, including the first-ever use of Breathaboard, a sustainable natural alternative to traditional plasterboard. The building’s design also incorporates reclaimed and reused landscaping materials, including cobblestones saved from the demolition site of the local 150-year-old Northampton Market Square.
- Reclaimed and reused landscaping materials used in the hard landscaping
- Breathaboard used in the building’s construction
- Sustainable natural alternative to traditional plasterboard
Circular Economy Principles and Disassembly
The building’s design prioritizes future material reuse, focusing on long-term sustainability and minimizing waste. While circular economy principles often emphasize re-use and retrofitting, Unusual HQ goes a step further by designing its components to be disassembled and reused in the future.
- Components designed for disassembly and reuse
- Long-term sustainability and minimizing waste prioritized
- Circular economy principles guiding the building’s design
Quotes from the Clients
Jonny Plant, Director at Corstorphine & Wright, said: “Unusual Rigging’s new HQ is a pioneering example of circular economy principles and low-energy design. Built with sustainable, biogenic materials, it has been carefully designed for durability and disassembly, ensuring the building can be reused at the end of its life. The project challenges traditional approaches by addressing the ‘true cost’ of materials, including their social and environmental impact, and serves as a test bed for the future of sustainable, circular architecture.”
Tom Harper, Managing Director of Unusual Rigging, said: “What a pleasure it has been to have Corstorphine & Wright undertake the design of Unusual’s new HQ and research building. From the start, they embraced our vision of building a new office in accordance with the key principles of the circular economy, in many instances challenging conventional assumptions about the structural materials used. At a time of global ecological crises, there are few organizations that seem to be demonstrating ‘active hope’, who are showing that an economy that is truly regenerative and restorative by design is a possibility. It has been an inspiring journey.”
Conclusion
The Unusual HQ is a visionary new office building that exemplifies the potential for sustainable design to create functional and inspiring workspaces. By integrating circular economy principles, biophilic design, and low-carbon materials, the building showcases a commitment to long-term sustainability and minimizing waste. As a test bed for innovative materials and construction methods, the Unusual HQ offers a promising example for the future of sustainable architecture.
