Environment Agency choose Kinnarps for new HQ that defines sustainability

Spreading a team of 250 people across 8 locations on one site did not allow the Environment Agency (EA) the flexibility and effective team working they required for their West Area Headquarters in Howbery Park, near Wallingford.

The variety of premises they had occupied since 1993 also lacked the efficiencies in the use of water and energy that EA demanded. So the decision was taken to lease a modern, purpose built facility from HR Wallingford, the owners of Howbery Park, who were redeveloping the site as a business science park.

Of particular importance was the agreement for EA to influence the design of the new building. From the very beginning the HR Wallingford and EA team set out to construct an office that would not only meet EA’s operational needs but serve as an example of best practice in sustainable office development.

The £6M project has resulted in a state-of-the-art building  - Red Kite House - that showcases the very best in sustainable thinking with regard to architecture, energy, water and drainage, and suppliers of ancillary goods.

When it came to furniture the Environment Agency turned to Kinnarps to plan and supply all the desking, seating, and storage as well as the cable management systems required for the new building. 

In all, over 200 Kinnarps Series e workstations, task chairs from the 6000 range, DiVide screens and a multitude of local, team and bulk storage systems were supplied. The café area – Red Kite Bite! – includes the Adam chair from Kinnarps Premium Collection, helping to create a stunning environment in which to relax and refresh. Flexible and folding Kite tables complete the conference suites.

Kinnarps environmental credentials were a critical element for the Environment Agency’s choice of furniture supplier. Kinnarps production facilities’ FSC accreditation along with ISO14001 and numerous environmental policies that demonstrate best practice were all instrumental in making Kinnarps the ‘natural choice’.

Brian Hughes, the Environment Agency’s project manager for Red Kite House, says “As you would expect, we make strong demands of suppliers with regard to the environment. Kinnarps green credentials are superb but I am also delighted with the service and delivery of the whole team to create a great working environment within the new building. Kinnarps staff were very much part of our team from the outset and were always responsive to our demands.”

Kinnarps layout includes ‘hotelling’ areas and shared open-plan to maximise efficiency of space and cost-effectiveness. The 3 storey Red Kite House includes a host of features that set new standards in environmental thinking and contribute to its ‘excellent’ BREEAM rating. 

• The 3000 square metres of internal flooring are naturally ventilated
• High-level concrete ceilings absorb daytime heat and are cooled by automatic, motorised upper windows on each floor. The windows are linked to the buildings energy management system.
• The south facing canopy – itself a shade provider – contain photo-voltaic cells. These can provide up to 20% of the building’s annual demand for electricity and reduce CO2 emissions by about 12 tonnes each year.
• Solar thermal panels will assist provision of hot water, reducing energy demand by approx 40% and a further 1.6 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
• Lighting is sensor controlled to movement and daylight.
• Rainwater harvesting will satisfy about 40% of the buildings annual demands.
• The 94 space car park has a sustainable form of drainage, blocking pollutants and reducing any risk of groundwater pollution during heavy rainfall.