A New Home for Aardman Animations in Bristol 

A tale by Fabien Le Dem , Arup

The ScriptAardman wanted a building which would enable them to change their working culture.

The new building was to provide space to bring all of the creative ‘thinkers’ into one building, while freeing up space in other buildings better suited to studios and workshops.

The new building was to display Aardman commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.

The Plot

Transform an existing car park into a fully operational flexible office and digital creativity studio.

The key aspect of the sustainable building services strategy is to minimise energy consumption by using numerous passive and efficient active solutions.

On budget and on time!

The Cast

Client: Aardman Animations

Architect: Alec French

SMEP+Civils+Fire+Acoustic: Arup

PM+QS: Gleeds

Main Contractor: Leadbitter Construction

Building the SetAll buildings are different!

• Agree an approach• Unpick the building• Apply common sense• Use industry best practice• Building physics• Identify interventions• Understand the end user

Action -Take 1

The Building

• Orientation• Fenestration• Shading• Part L Regulation 2006• Exposed soffits• Floor plate depth• Structural • Light weight structure

Action -Take 2

Ventilation Strategy

Mechanical Mode

• Heating Season• When cooling is required• Increase density

Natural Mode

• Exposed Thermal Mass• Maximise cross ventilation• Night Time Ventilation• Manual windows

Action -Take 3

Artificial Lighting

• High Efficacy lm/Wcct• React to natural contributions• User friendly• Low maintenance• Fit for purpose

Action -Take 4

Major Loads

• Server room• Optimisation• Reduce• Minimise construction• Influence the architecture• Influence the operations

'Their input and enthusiasm contributed massively to the extremely successful execution and on-going performance of the building.

As a client project manager, I felt well informed and supported throughout the project and that Aardman's best interests were always at the forefront of their minds.

They acted as a key link between the design team, contractors and client and drove the project forward at all key stages’

Awards

Environmental Award:

Bristol Civic Society 2009

RIBA Award:

RIBA Wessex 2010