Energy efficiency prioritised in contemporary Stratford-upon-Avon office
Architectural practice, Studio Spicer Architects, designed its own contemporary office building in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon. The ambitious project focuses on functionality and energy efficiency, while still achieving the elegant aesthetic required to fit in with its historic surroundings.
Architect: Studio Spicer Architects
Specialist contractor: Lite Haus UK Ltd
Photo credits: Chris Fossey
Products: ADS 70.HI door system, AWS 70.HI window system, ASE 60 sliding doors.
Completed in 2022, the three-storey building makes use of diverse materials such as Corten steel cladding and living walls externally, and polished concrete internally, with large Schüco doors and windows on each floor.
Based in Shakespeare’s County, Studio Spicer Architects provides a full architectural service to residential, commercial and community clients. In addition to providing an enjoyable space in which to work, the office serves as a case study for the practice, showcasing its skill in creating an energy efficient and sustainable space to potential clients.
Regularly taking on high-end developments, Studio Spicer is no stranger to the benefits of using Schüco systems, so decided to specify Schüco windows and doors for its office building. The studio wished to maximise natural light with large panels of glass which were designed to blend into the mixed material environment.
Oliver Spicer, Founder and Managing Director, commented on his decision to specify Schüco systems: “Schüco stands out for the quality and durability of its products. When designing our offices, we wanted very large expanses of glazing, and it was imperative those glazing systems were airtight to complement our air source heating system. Having worked with Schüco partner Lite Haus UK on multiple occasions, Schüco systems were the clear choice for us.”
One of the main goals when designing the office was to maximise sustainability and energy efficiency. The low U-value of the Schüco products made them ideal to accommodate the air source heating system, which is powered by solar panels for more sustainable operation. The architects designed the project with large glass panels to benefit from solar gain in the winter, reducing the energy needed to heat the office. The living wall also contributes to the regulation of temperature by providing an extra layer of insulation, shading, and by cooling the surrounding air through evapotranspiration on warmer days.
Although the project was designed to benefit from solar gain, it also had to consider how to mitigate solar gain in warmer weather. To manage this, deep overhangs of nearly half a metre were incorporated, as well as extractor grills by the windows.
Another key challenge of the build was installing the large external glazing panels, including a sliding door, on the highest levels of the building. To accomplish this required careful coordination with the specialist contractor, Lite Haus UK. The studio was also keen to have an integrated balcony, adding further complexity to the design and installation process.
The Schüco ASE 60 sliding doors were chosen to realise the architect’s vision due to the system's ability to seamlessly integrate a balcony and accommodate very large glass panels.
Studio Spicer’s familiarity with Schüco systems and working with Lite Haus UK allowed them to feel confident with the technical aspects of the design.
Oliver Spicer explained: “We have worked with Schüco many times and will continue to do so. The team there provide great technical advice and are always easy to get hold of when we need them.”
The finished office stands as a testament to the expertise of Studio Spicer Architects. The stunning façade with its Corten steel cladding, living wall and seamlessly integrated Schüco glazing solutions delivers an energy-efficient, modern office that the team can be proud to showcase for years to come.
Mansell Street - Excellence Awards 2024
Photos by Chris Fossey
