The document summarizes the construction of a new building for Aardman Animations in Bristol to update their workspace. The building was designed to transform an existing car park into a flexible office and studio space to bring creative staff together while making the space more sustainable and energy efficient. Through passive design strategies like orientation, shading, ventilation and efficient lighting systems, the building achieved significant energy reductions while being completed on budget and on time through collaboration between Aardman, the architect, engineers and contractor.

1. A New Home for Aardman Animations
in Bristol
A tale by Fabien Le Dem , Arup

2. The Script
Aardman wanted a building which would
enable them to change their working
culture.
The new building was to provide space to
bring all of the creative ‘thinkers’ into
one building, while freeing up space in
other buildings better suited to studios
and workshops.
The new building was to display
Aardman commitment to sustainability
and energy efficiency.

3. The Plot
Transform an existing car park into a
fully operational flexible office and
digital creativity studio.
The key aspect of the sustainable
building services strategy is to
minimise energy consumption by
using numerous passive and efficient
active solutions.
On budget and on time!

4. The Cast
Client: Aardman Animations
Architect: Alec French
SMEP+Civils+Fire+Acoustic: Arup
PM+QS: Gleeds
Main Contractor: Leadbitter Construction

5. Building the Set
All buildings are different!
• Agree an approach
• Unpick the building
• Apply common sense
• Use industry best practice
• Building physics
• Identify interventions
• Understand the end user

6. Action -Take 1
The Building
• Orientation
• Fenestration
• Shading
• Part L Regulation 2006
• Exposed soffits
• Floor plate depth
• Structural
• Light weight structure

7. Action -Take 2
Ventilation Strategy
Mechanical Mode
• Heating Season
• When cooling is required
• Increase density
Natural Mode
• Exposed Thermal Mass
• Maximise cross ventilation
• Night Time Ventilation
• Manual windows

9. Action -Take 3
Artificial Lighting
• High Efficacy lm/Wcct
• React to natural contributions
• User friendly
• Low maintenance
• Fit for purpose

10. Action -Take 4
Major Loads
• Server room
• Optimisation
• Reduce
• Minimise construction
• Influence the architecture
• Influence the operations

15. 'Their input and enthusiasm contributed
massively to the extremely successful
execution and on-going performance of the
building.
As a client project manager, I felt well
informed and supported throughout the
project and that Aardman's best interests
were always at the forefront of their minds.
They acted as a key link between the
design team, contractors and client and
drove the project forward at all key stages’

16. Awards
Environmental Award:
Bristol Civic Society 2009
RIBA Award:
RIBA Wessex 2010