Severn Trent Centre

Severn Trent Centre’s aim was to consolidate several offices into an operation centre of 215,000sqft at Coventry. Working with Stoford the project was designed to provide an exemplar business solution by updating working practices with modern methods while also minimising operational costs.

The design went hand in hand with Severn Trents corporate plan and set a new benchmark for environmental performance for a large corporate occupier by achieving BREEAM Excellent and EPC B.

The building is formed of two seven storey office wings arranged around a central atrium which admits light straight into the core of the building. Expressed white concrete sleeves with small windows to minimise solar gain are to the South with a more open aspect to the North; this allows views of the city and Cathedral. Each wing is fully glazed with large bays articulated within the concrete frame. At high level there is a set back to provide a balcony area. Motorised glass louvres in aquamarine colours are to the west elevation.

Replacing the former surface parking a basement car park has been provided. The south extent of the car park extends beyond the footprint and faced with a red sandstone to mark the medieval edge of the city.

Forming a new landscaped public space which related to the surrounding principal pedestrian routes was key to the design of the entrance. It acknowledged the potential future change in the city’s area masterplan. By becoming part of the civic group including Civic Centre and Crown Court. The design respects the sensitive historic site and makes a positive contribution to the city centre.

One of the key outcomes of developing the Severn Trent Centre was to provide a building that enables people to be productive. A great deal of effort went into designing a building that was both flexible and fit for purpose for the intended occupants. The range of work settings provides people with choice in order that Evaluation for the future 47 Changing the Ways of Working they can match their work setting to the task being undertaken; all enabled by the ability to log onto any computer within the building or at home to access their work desktop and files.