@symes has been designed to be very accessible (BCC Environmental Access Standards), friendly and to a high environmental standard (BREEAM very good), with a balcony design based on old maps of the area.

Design features

l        Solar panels for hot water and heating – back-up from gas condensing boilers

l        Under-floor heating

l        Low energy light bulbs that automatically switch off if nobody in the room

l        Rainwater harvesting for toilets

l        High levels of insulation

l        Solar shading

l        Double glazed windows that open

l        Natural ventilation where possible

l        Water fountains using filtered mains water – not water coolers

l        Cycling encouraged with secure bike stands and shower

l        Good public transport – Showcase bus routes

l        Built-in hearing loops in meeting rooms and reception area

l        Contrasting floor design for the visually impaired

l        Very high speed 100 MB Evolved Ethernet connection

l        Networked for data projectors, TV

l        Built-in security measures designed to be unobtrusive

l        Card based access control system

Solar Panel facts and figures -

l        12 panels (Schott Evacuated Solar Collector Model ETC-16) with a total active surface area of 9.7 sq metres (104.4 sq ft).

l        Estimated to produce 6.1 Mwh of energy and avoiding 1.5 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

l        Estimated to account for a third (34%) of the annual requirement