Client The Open University
Location Milton Keynes, UK
Status Built
Awards
2003 RICS Sustainability Awards Commendation
2003 Civic Trust Awards Commendation
Named after the founder of the Open University, The Michael Young Building is an innovative low energy building which was designed to encourage open, flexible and comfortable working environments and interaction for up to 350 staff and students.
The building provides central facilities and a support hub with flexible, adaptable and column-free workspaces. The gently sloping ramp into the entrance enhances the setting of the building and adds a welcome and open approach.
Elevations consist of white rendered walls and well proportioned curtain walling. Circulation spaces are elegantly viewed through horizontal timber cladding made with European Oak. Slender columns frame the corners of the building.
The design was generated from the desire to create naturally ventilated workspaces with individual control and to keep travel distances to a minimum.
Rainwater is collected and stored to provide water for low flush toilets and the use of externally insulated render combined with airtight construction techniques ensure minimal heat loss. The building exceeded the briefing requirements and was awarded an ‘Excellent’ rating of nearly 80% under BREEAM, one of its highest scoring assessments ever made.