Case study: York Eco Depot

Background:-
York City Council sold the depot which housed its refuse collection lorries, road maintenance signage and gritting facilities. It needed to locate to a new site and decided to adopt an eco-friendly approach to the new development.

Challenge
The site chosen for the project was a former waste tip. The new development, in particular the office building, had to be as eco-friendly and economical as possible.

Solution
HBPW research concluded that although the site had been a former refuse tip, it would still be possible to eliminate the need for piling, a major saving both financially and environmentally. The possibility of contamination from the waste tip being punched down into lower strata was also avoided.

The office block was constructed with a glue laminated timber frame incorporating rendered straw bales. At the time of completion the facility was the largest two storey office block in Europe constructed from straw bales. The eco depot also featured wind turbines, rainwater harvesting, solar cells and movement detecting lighting.

Outcome
The development has been nominated for and received many awards from: the Institution of Civil Engineers; the Considerate Constructors 2007 National Awards and a Gold Green Apple Award in the Built Environment and Architectural Heritage category.