Orchard House

Client: GML Construction
Project: New office building
Location: Coxheath, Kent
Value: £1.2 million
Project period: 42 weeks
Completed: July 2013
Architect: ADB Architecture Ltd 

This purpose-built office block has 800m2 of floor area and achieved a BREEAM very good rating. It comprises a primary glulam timber structure onto which a locally sourced vertical Chestnut rain screen cladding was fitted. All the windows and external doors are triple-glazed and the roof finish is a mixture of Sedum grass, glass atrium and Western Red Cedar shingles. Heat and power are provided by a 50kWp Solar PV array, Ground Source Heat Pumps and Solar Thermal panels.

Internally, the building benefits from lots of natural light to provide a great working environment. Under Floor Heating keeps the building warm during winter and comfort cooling keeps summer temperatures to an acceptable level. On the first floor, a balcony affords an outside space overlooking the adjacent fields.

The building is fully DDA compliant with toilets, kitchens, showers, changing rooms and a lift.

Energy Efficient elements include:

  • Triple glazed windows and doors throughout
  • Under Floor Heating to the ground floor
  • Ground-mounted Solar PV system
  • Ground Source Heat Pump
  • Roof-mounted Solar Thermal system

Go Back