Sustainable Headquarters: CABI Headquarters by Scott Brownrigg
An Overview
The headquarters for CABI, a global non-profit organization focused on agricultural and environmental solutions, has been completed by Scott Brownrigg. Collaborating with Project Managers Ridge and Partners LLP, Scott Brownrigg delivered a two-story office space that integrates a bio-diverse landscape with a flexible working environment.
Commitment to Biodiversity
Central to the project is CABI’s dedication to promoting biodiversity and environmental protection. The design prioritizes energy efficiency through careful material selection, orientation, and structural strategies. The building fabric incorporates materials aimed at reducing energy consumption, aligning with CABI’s goal of low carbon operation.
Passive Sustainability Design
Emphasizing passive sustainability, the building’s orientation minimizes solar gains by positioning it East-West, providing shade in summer and sunlight in winter. Natural ventilation, essential for clean air circulation, is facilitated by a perforated façade that allows cool air into the building, complemented by heat recovery ventilation in winter.
User-Centric Approach
The design incorporates a user-centric approach, utilizing a “traffic light system” to alert occupants of temperature variations and air quality. This system encourages occupants to open windows for increased fresh air circulation, fostering a natural, healthy, and safe indoor environment.
Integration with Nature
Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the building integrates with its surroundings through a living roof that enhances biodiversity by attracting insects and birds. Internally, the facility accommodates up to 180 staff members and provides amenities such as a café restaurant, meeting rooms, and conference facilities.
Leadership and Vision
Dr. Daniel Elger, CABI’s CEO, emphasizes the significance of the new headquarters in advancing the organization’s mission. As the hub for CABI’s global network, the headquarters symbolizes a commitment to supporting smallholder farmers worldwide in combating crop pests and diseases.
By combining sustainable design principles with user-centric features and a commitment to environmental stewardship, the CABI Headquarters by Scott Brownrigg stands as a model for modern, eco-conscious office spaces.
