DEFRA Headquarters
CLIENT
Kajima Cambridge Ltd / Countryside Properties
OUR ROLE
Architectural Design
CONSTRUCTION
£20.5 million
FACILITIES
200,000 sqft of Modern and Flexible Offices, 400 residential units
Project Description
DEFRA Headquarters provides 200,000 sqft of modern and flexible offices as well as a new residential urban village of 400 residential units. The design replicates the traditional Cambridge quadrangle and marries both tradition and modern architecture.
The scheme adheres to sustainable design principles and achieved an excellent BREEAM rating. This dictated 13.5m wide buildings, capable of subdivision with window to wall ratio balancing natural light with energy efficiency.
Both the offices and the residential units benefit from significant key issues:
- Reduced traffic impact.
- Accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists and the disabled.
- Sense of place and arrival with clearly identifiable entrances.
- Contemporary appearance that balances and respects the surroundings.