WSP MEETS THE U.K.'S STRICT CARBON EMISSION REDUCTION GOAL WITH INNOVATIVE BUILDING DESIGN

Using PLAXIS and RAM concept helped WSP to determine the most effective structural design that reduces the amount of concrete and drastically cuts carbon emissions while saving significant construction costs.

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The new United Kingdom headquarters banking for company Santander has combined four existing U.K. offices into one central hub in Milton Keynes, 50 miles north of London. Unity Place will be the workstation for approximately 5,000 Santander employees. The GBP 150 million project connects four new structures constructed on the site of a car park with three atria that maximises natural light in the combined building. The project also adds parking for cars and bicycles on the two basement levels and new landscaping with additional trees and a seating area. Santander chose WSP to help design the project.

Santander has a much broader vision for Unity Place than just as a headquarters for its banking operations. The building would also be one of the first structures that passengers would see as they exit the Milton Keynes rail station, so the organization wanted it to be a showcase and central hub for those who work in, visit, and live in the community. As such, the complex will also feature urban markets, retail outlets, consultation spaces, an auditorium, and health-focused facilities that include a gym and a yoga studio. The roof would be publicly accessible with terraces and a running track. WSP needed to find a way to design a stable structure for the facility without compromising Santander's vision.

MEETING AESTHETIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Santander has specific desires for the aesthetics of the building, resulting in an unusual design.