Regional Winner Corporate Workplace Midlands and East Anglia - NFU Headquarters
The NFU's new corporate headquarters setting is exceptional: quiet, tranquil and evocative, without any sign of pressure on development density which often forces a more rigid approach.
The site, owned by The Royal Agricultural Society for England, was perfectly suited for the relocation from central London to be closer to members. It was already home to many farming organisations and is the first step towards an agricultural business park and centre for excellence. The judges felt that integration into the rural location and adjacent historic 12th Century Stoneleigh Abbey was a key factor in making this a success.
The building provides exceptional, generally open plan, space which enables the NFU to embrace latest technology such as wireless connectivity for flexible working. Sustainability is at the heart of the project, involving recycled components and high quality natural materials sourced as locally as possible. Displacement ventilation and chilled beams help cut energy consumption by approximately 50% against the industry norm. All landscaping uses indigenous plants and trees.
The workspace is light and airy with exceptional views. It provides the NFU with a bespoke solution but the regional judges felt that future flexibility was well catered for, as the building could be easily sub-divided or reconfigured. The national panel was not as convinced, suggesting the core layout might make division difficult, as would the configuration of lighting and ventilation.
There was general agreement amongst the judges that this is a well rounded solution of which NFU should be proud, and a worthy winner of a hotly contested category.
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