Introducing Clifton Place: NCHA’s New Sustainable Office Space
Pelham are excited to present Clifton Place, a brand-new office space for NCHA (Nottingham Community Housing Association), designed with sustainability, functionality, and innovation at its core.
Built on a brownfield site within the greenbelt, Clifton Place is a key component of the wider regeneration of the old college grounds, which had previously stood derelict. The new two-storey building has transformed the site, incorporating elements of the partially demolished former college and giving new life to the area.
A unique design challenge
The design of Clifton Place presented an interesting challenge due to the site’s geometry. The wedge-shaped layout was carefully crafted to maximise the available land while adhering to safety regulations, especially regarding overhead electric cables. This distinctive shape has become one of the office’s defining features, pushing the limits of creative architectural solutions while maintaining a functional, visually striking space.
The office accommodates a diverse range of facilities including:
- A 24-hour call centre
- Multiple meeting spaces
- A training facility
- A dedicated maintenance depot
In addition, Clifton Place is equipped with parking for 185 vehicles, which includes electric charging stations, and facilities for up to 30 bicycles—an important consideration in supporting eco-friendly commuting options.
Built to BREEAM excellent standards
Clifton Place has been designed to meet BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) excellent standards, with a focus on minimising environmental impact while maximising the comfort and efficiency of the space. BREEAM is a benchmark for best practices in sustainable design, and achieving this certification is a testament to NCHA’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Some of the sustainable features integrated into Clifton Place include:
- Air source heat pumps for heating and hot water, avoiding reliance on gas.
- Solar panels to generate clean electricity.
- Brise Soleil sun shading systems on southerly facing windows, which control sunlight and reduce solar heat gain.
- An advanced ventilation system that uses natural airflow, supplemented by mechanical systems when necessary, to minimise energy consumption.
Environmental features in every detail
One of the standout features of the new office is its expansive atrium. This space not only provides an open, airy environment but also serves several critical environmental functions. It allows natural daylight to flood into the building, reducing the need for artificial lighting, while anti-glare glass ensures comfort and efficiency by reducing unwanted glare.
The atrium plays a central role in the building’s ventilation strategy. Fresh air enters through operable windows around the perimeter and is circulated through an extract vent at the top of the atrium. This system helps maintain optimal temperatures while reducing energy usage.
In addition to natural ventilation, the building’s design exposes parts of the structure, such as the floor edges, to increase thermal mass to aid in passive cooling. This thoughtful design choice is expected to reduce cooling costs by around 5%.
A mixed-use development for the community
Clifton Place is just one part of a broader redevelopment plan for the site. In addition to the office space, the development will include 56 homes for older people and a supported housing service. These residential facilities will blend seamlessly with existing sports and community amenities, creating a dynamic, mixed-use environment that will benefit both residents and the wider community.
At Clifton Place, we have brought together innovative design, sustainable practices, and community-focused development to create a space that reflects the values and vision of NCHA. This cutting-edge office space will be a fantastic place for people to work, collaborate, and thrive while maintaining the highest standards of environmental responsibility.
We're proud to have played a part in creating a space that balances form and function with sustainability, and we look forward to seeing how Clifton Place will positively impact both its users and the surrounding community.
