The Design and Development of an Adaptable Modular Sustainable Commercial Building (Co2nserve) for Multiple Applications

Co2nserve is a commercially sponsored project aimed at developing a cost effective modular building that is able to meet sustainability, energy and carbon efficiency needs, and is adaptable to meet a wide range of occupancy applications. Building applications include light industrial production, warehousing, office accommodation, educational needs and health sector requirements. This paper describes the building development and design process. Maximum use is made of passive measures including natural ventilation, daylighting and natural cooling. Structural and envelope elements have been designed for factory assembly using sustainable and/or recyclable components. A key part of the design process was to establish a multi-disciplinary design group at the start of the project.  This group met on a regular basis to evolve the design. The design has achieved a Class A Energy Performance Certificate under the requirements of the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. The building is ready for construction; a development site and occupier for the first building is currently being identified.