For technology and research companies in Worcestershire, England, the Malvern Hills Science Park offers state-of-the-art laboratory and office space. The recent addition of a phase 3 building ups the ante even further with an innovative, award-winning design by architects from Rubicon Design Ltd.

The entire building focuses on performance and energy efficiency, starting from the outside in. According to Rubicon, the building's envelope was "designed to have a homogenous skin sealed and insulated to a very high standard," with an aluminum rainscreen façade by Hunter Douglas. In addition, an array of exterior Hunter Douglas sun louvers mounted as brise soleil shade the south elevation during the heat of the day, while allowing full outward views.

Inside, the structure has a heating and cooling system based on a ground source heat pump, which eliminates the need for a boiler and greatly reduces the overall carbon impact. The interiors also have hollow floor structures that make air movement extraordinarily efficient throughout the building, further enhancing the ability to manage temperatures.

"The environmentally friendly design makes use of the latest construction techniques to provide a building that will be cool in the summer and warm in the winter," according to Rubicon. "The design provides an example for private sector developments to consider such novel technologies in commercial buildings as an aid to reducing carbon emissions."

Significantly, the building's design has proven a large factor in its commercial success. According to Malvern Hills Science Park director Nigel Shaw, "Interest in this development has always been linked to its green credentials." Many of the new phase's offices were leased long before construction was complete.

CUH2A recognized Malvern Park's developers and designers with an award for Excellence in Property Design, citing its innovative contributions to environmental concerns and sustainability.