This project involves the comprehensive redevelopment of a self-contained building, offering a total area of approximately 16,600 ft², with a distinctive private riverside garden that enhances the overall appeal and value of the property. The accommodation is distributed across five levels, with the lower ground floor featuring a newly designed amenity space intended to provide a variety of high-quality facilities for the building’s occupants.
The building has been meticulously refurbished to incorporate a range of sustainable features, targeting BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings to ensure the highest standards of environmental performance, energy efficiency, and sustainability. In addition to the eco-friendly goals, the building has been equipped with cutting-edge building services designed to improve overall comfort and reduce environmental impact. These include the installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels to harness solar energy and reduce reliance on non-renewable power sources. The HVAC system has been fully upgraded with modern, high efficiency units, complemented by HVRF (Hybrid Variable Refrigerant Flow) comfort cooling and space heating systems utilizing low GWP refrigerants, significantly lowering the building’s carbon footprint. The previous gas supply has been removed inline with the decarbonisation strategy for the building.
To further enhance the building’s functionality, a new duplex lift system has been installed, offering efficient vertical transportation between floors. This lift system includes an evacuation lift, ensuring the building is compliant with the latest standards and offering peace of mind for occupants in the event of an emergency. The integration of these advanced features demonstrates a clear commitment to sustainability, safety, and occupant well-being throughout the entire redevelopment process.
The building services use a 4-pipe fan coil unit arrangement with various ventilation systems to suit the different use areas. Full building power back-up standby generation, UPS, security and access control and automatic blinds all formed part of the fit-out.
Saffron House was refurbished to provide 38,000ft² of high quality office accommodation. Watkins Payne supplied building services engineering which saw the 1st, 2nd and the 3rd floor including the ground floor reception of Saffron House converted into open plan office areas and reception.
Watkins Payne reviewed a number of mechanical and electrical options with the team, focusing on retention of key central plant, overhaul and replacement of plant where required, and LED lighting to reduce energy and improve the office environment.
The MEP services were all replaced with a focus on energy efficiency using air source heat pumps, LED lighting and natural ventilation where possible.
1 Blyth Gate, Birmingham is a three-story office development in Solihull. It boasts a triple height reception and the amenity spaces within the business park in which the development sits offer excellent views of the surrounding area. The building has been provided with additional showers and cycling facilities to assist in promoting sustainable travel methods to work and drive down carbon emissions.
