The Lumen, Newcastle Helix
Desco designed the M&E services for the new commercial office facilities located on the Newcastle Helix development, a £350m project to create a science and technology hub in the heart of Newcastle city centre.
In 2016 Legal and General became long term investment partners of Newcastle City Council and Newcastle University to build and finance the science central development. They have provided an initial £65 million investment which will fund completion of the two buildings on premium plots on the site, offering over 200,000sq. ft of Grade A office space, create 2,000 jobs and boost economic growth, helping to unlock the potential of further investment in commercial and residential plots.
The first plot to be constructed is the Lumen, a brand-new 9 storey, flagship office space providing modern workspace for over 1,200 people. It has been designed to British Council for Office standards with an occupancy ratio of one person per 8sqm net of office space.
The commercial space has been designed with exposed services, 4 pipe fan coil air conditioning maintaining a constant indoor temperature, floor to ceiling windows which provide a healthy environment throughout, along with fitted showers and changing rooms and bike racks.
It also benefits from a generous double height shared reception and touchdown space along with a café. Vehicular access, disabled parking and drop off points are incorporated into the adjacent public realm.
The project was carried out collaboratively between the design teams using BIM.
The Lumen building features a number of innovative and sustainable designs including PV Panels on the roof, low air permeability, low U valves and high-performance plant and equipment, all of which have contributed to the successful achievement of the building obtaining BREEAM Excellent and EPC rating A. It is also connected to the recently opened District Heating network which provides low carbon emissions for heating and cooling to the future tenants.
Project:
The Lumen
Location:
Newcastle upon Tyne
Value:
£26.5M