ENVIRONMENTAL engineers who helped to design The Hive have won a national award for keeping it green.
Max Fordham was given an Ashden Award at a ceremony by the Royal Geographic Society on Thursday (June 11).
The event was hosted by broadcaster Emma Freud and the honours were handed out to those who have created pioneering ways to tackle climate change and promote sustainable energy.
The company work with architects to create buildings like The Hive that have a low carbon footprint. The library is designed to use about half the carbon emissions of typical buildings of its type.
It meets many of its own lighting, heating and air conditioning needs through measures like natural light and natural ventilation.
Its roof has been designed to allow daylight deep within the building and the unusual architecture of it conceals the automatic roof vents which allow warm air to leave the building and drive the natural ventilation strategy.
Guy Nevill, senior partner at Max Fordham, said: “In 2016 our practice celebrates its 50th anniversary. For five decades we have strived to make a significant impact on the sustainability of the built environment. To be recognised by an organisation with the gravitas of the Ashden Awards is very gratifying.”
The Ashden judging panel said: “Max Fordham is pushing the boundaries in the design of sustainable buildings. It doesn’t just work closely with architects to create beautiful buildings that have the highest standards of energy efficiency and are pleasant to work or live in; its focus on working with occupants to get the best out of their buildings is exemplary. The company should be applauded for its trailblazing role in driving up standards across the entire sector.”
