04 June 2009
A unique new building in Lincoln is opening to offer managed workspace to innovative businesses in the area. And in line with its revolutionary design and philosophy, it has some hugely impressive green credentials.
Think Tank offers an enhanced, comfortable working environment, brought about by careful design and state-of-the-art environmental technologies. Its unique design and layout ensures the best possible use of natural light, while all the concrete used in the building contains recycled aggregates.
Meanwhile, ground source heat pumps provide an excellent source of underfloor heating and cooling, with 70 per cent of the building’s heating provided by this method. And anyone wanting a well-deserved hot cup of tea won’t have to re-boil a kettle; specially designed taps produce both filtered boiling water and filtered chilled water. Low energy lamps are installed throughout the building, and lighting is triggered by movement.
The bio-diverse green roof of the complex is both functional and eco-friendly: it can absorb between 40 and 90 per cent of annual rainfall, releasing water to drains more slowly; improves building insulation by up to 10 per cent, helping to maintain temperature stability; improves air quality around the building and reduces the carbon footprint by exchange of carbon dioxide for oxygen; delivers improved acoustic properties; protects the roof membrane from solar damage; and provides a natural habitat of local fauna that can enhance the biodiversity of the area. Pretty impressive stuff from a humble roof!
And it doesn’t stop there. Eco-paints have been used on the building, the building is insulated above building regulations, and the timber cladding is sustainable from British woodland. Think Tank is based in a central location so it’s easily accessible by foot, cycle, bus, rail, or by car. There are a number of bicycle racks to encourage staff to use this method of getting to work, and shower facilities are available for those who choose to cycle, walk or jog to the office.
These numerous hi-tech features and simple eco-friendly devices make Think Tank a highly desirable, cost-effective low carbon building. The £7.1m complex stands on a brownfield 2 acre site and provides 21 high-quality offices and 9 workspaces for new technology, research and development, as well as service sector businesses.
This project to nurture innovation in Lincolnshire is backed by the City of Lincoln Council, East Midlands Development Agency, Lincolnshire County Council, Lincolnshire Enterprise, Innovation Lincolnshire and the Objective 2 European Regional Development Fund.
For more information on locating within Think Tank contact Rob Smith or Tracey Footsoy 01522 873466 / 873236.
For further information please contact: Caroline Ashman – Senior Communications Officer – 01522 873443 – (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Alternatively contact Julian Havenhand or Rachel Shaw at Optima Design on 01522 522773