Friday 20 July 2012

Oxygen House, developed by Summerfield Developments, on Exeter's Business Park, is Building of the Year, Butler & Young Building Control were the Approved Inspectors

Oxygen House, the new headquarter building of statistical sports research consultancy ATASS at Exeter Business Park, has been named Building of the Year at the prestigious Michelmores/Western Morning News Commercial Property Awards against fierce competition. Hosted by Michael Portillo at Exeter University’s Great Hall, the event was attended by the South West’s leading property personnel.

The vision of ATASS's founder, Dr Mark Dixon, of a green building with superb staff facilities was brought to fruition by developer Summerfield and a team of forward-thinking designers and contractors.

In the Building of the Year category the organisers of the awards were looking for "the most progressive,completed building which, in the opinion of the judges, makes the boldest statement about the positive qualities of Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset in terms of innovation, entrepreneurship and as a destination for inward investment." Visible from the M5 motorway, the stunning-looking Oxygen House with its distinctive 'sports stadium' frontage (reflecting ATASS's innovative statistical modelling and analysis services for the professional sports industry) provides a landmark on the way into Exeter.

But the overriding concern from the start was the building's green credentials. The BREEAM 'Excellent' rating was achieved through a range of environmentally friendly features, including photovoltaic panels not only on outbuildings and within the landscaping but also in the glass of the airy full-height atrium.

Other measures to reduce energy and water consumption are solar hot water heating, solar shades, an air source heat pump, rainwater harvesting, 'grey' water recycling and passive infra red lighting. Recycled materials were incorporated into the building and there are electric car charging points in the car park.

Employees have the benefit of a terrific and healthy working environment, extensive views, a running track, multi-sports pitch, catering kitchen, canteen, recreation room and well equipped gym.

Nigel Hounslow, Director of Summerfield Developments said “Using previously untried techniques proved challenging at times but by overcoming the difficulties we have delivered an outstanding building. Credit must go to Dr Mark Dixon for his vision and commitment to the project".

He went on "ATASS and Summerfield had a fantastic team bringing this development together; all contributed to its success and will be justifiably proud to win this award."

The other members of the team were Midas (contractor), Broadway Malyan (architect), Clarke Bond (engineering), Swan Paul (landscape architect), ADG Interiors (interior design), AECOM (building services), Butler & Young (building control) and the Robinson White Partnership (client representative).

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