Cooperative Group Headquarters

After nearly two years of construction the new Cooperative Group headquarters as the most energy friendly office building in the United Kingdom was ready for occupation. Its innovative architecture is impressive. In terms of urban and construction planning, it was arranged based on the angle of incidence. The building resembles a beehive and has room for more than 3’000 employees. Future adaptations can easily be accommodated. This sustainable prototype building which is at the same time optically appealing is part of an urban revitalisation project, where the company has opted to remain at its almost 150 year old traditional location in Manchester.

The scope of performances of Waagner-Biro Stahlbau AG comprises the double facade of the 15 storey building which is of crucial importance for the energy concept as well as the triangular steel net roof cover of the naturally lit atrium. In addition to its main expertise in steel construction, the company this time was also dealing with the challenges associated with aluminium used for the double-wall facade. Compared to steel, working with aluminium represents a different level of complexity. The required modifications and details will therefore be developed on cooperation with a profile manufacturer on the basis of a standard profile.

    
The office building received the best possible certification of the international BREEAM standard (outstanding) for energy-efficient construction. After the completion of one of the most energy-efficient buildings in the country, the “Siemens Crystal“ in London, Waagner-Biro has again contributed to the creation of a sustainable prototype building.