AVENUE BARNS

COMMERCIAL PROJECT

Avenue Barns

An eco-hub with Living Building Challenge aspirations

Norfolk



Towards the end of 2022, we were commissioned by Norfolk-based environmental land managers and agricultural specialist, Albanwise, to support on the proposed development of a new eco-hub office space.


Albanwise had been working in collaboration with Hudson Architects, who put a keen awareness of context and environmental responsibility at the centre of their work, so we were delighted to be involved in this forward-thinking project.


The proposed build would provide much-needed office space for the client, as well as subletting opportunities for other medium sized local businesses. The beauty of the rural location – nestled between the Norfolk market towns of Swaffham and Downham Market – required sympathetic handling of design and sustainability needs.

How we helped

  • ERIBA Stage 2 feasibility study
  • Building modelling and overheating analysis
  • Initial embodied carbon analysis
  • Understanding and mapping of the living Building Challenge 

Albanwise wanted to transform the existing derelict agricultural properties into an innovative multi-use space that aspired to meet the Living Building Challenge framework. The framework asks designers to consider seven performance areas: site impact, water use, energy circularity, health and happiness, materiality, equity, and design beauty. Albanwise’s ambitious vision for the site included self-sufficient energy production, water usage, and even food production.


Mesh Energy were brought on in the early design conception stage to review and refine a range of renewable heating and hot water solutions based on an understanding of the space heating, hot water, and electricity use requirements of the build. We were asked to help the client understand the practical feasibility of each option including key economic considerations,  and to demonstrate long-term benefits of a final system strategy that would meet the requirements of the LBC framework. 

The Living Building Challenge framework

IES-VE Thermal Model of Avenue Barns 

The results


We put together a holistic energy strategy that worked with the biodiverse landscape strategy to adhere to the Living Building Challenge framework and offered practical M&E design solutions, including a solar PV system that would generate 105% of the annual energy requirements and pay for itself within a decade.


The project is currently on hold while the client considers investment opportunities, and we’re looking forward to seeing the next development phase. 

Our recommendations meant the client could generate 105% of their annual energy requirements, paying for itself within a decade.

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