With more than thirty years’ experience designing award-winning buildings across the industrial and logistics sector, at Chetwoods we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of digital construction to improve efficiency and clarity in processes, while reducing costs.

We have designed the first BREEAM Outstanding speculative industrial development in the north of England for Baytree Logistics Properties. The 222,000 sqft state-of-the-art complex in Leeds integrates cutting-edge Baytree Edge innovations, prioritising technology-enabled features, flexibility, user wellbeing, and environmental sustainability.

Adaptable Design

Designed with adaptability in mind, the development features office spaces constructed with the flexibility to expand or be repurposed for ancillary uses. Service yards and car parks are equipped with underground ducts and drainage infrastructure to facilitate future installations, while dock faces are designed to accommodate a variety of vehicle types.

Carbon Reduction

The development employs a range of measures to maximise both embodied and operational carbon reduction. In particular, the material selection, managed by our Thrive sustainability experts, follows our 6 R Circular Economy hierarchy, prioritising reductions in material use, higher efficiency of structural grids, and the use of reused and recycled materials.

We have reduced the energy demand of the building through super-tight insulated building envelopes, and maximised renewable energy generation with a multitude of technologies, including air source heat pumps, solar PV systems, and battery storage.

Integrated Wellbeing

The health and wellbeing of occupants and visitors was a key driver for this scheme. To achieve this, with input from a qualified WELL AP the development is designed to incorporate a range of strategies from the WELL Building Standard.

The buildings incorporate outdoor recreational areas, a roof garden, bike shelters with sedum roofs, bike maintenance equipment and electric cycle charging points. Translucent panels over dock faces introduce natural light into internal warehouse areas.

Air quality was a key aspect of health and wellbeing that influenced the design. In addition to the MHE installations which include air filters and air quality monitoring as part of the sensor suite technology, we are specifying low/no VOC material and finishes, air-cleaning internal materials and finishes such as Desso Airmaster carpet, and internal planting to help to ensure occupants have clean and healthy air.

The interior design also seeks to awaken all the senses, with the addition of an audio soundscape in the reception areas, a scent system integrated into the mechanical ventilation system, and a biophilic connection with nature in the form of moss walls, internal trees and planters, and the selection of natural materials such as cork for feature wall finishes, and rammed-earth planters.

A notable external feature is a biotech filtering ‘City Tree’, which contains the equivalent of an active and cleansing moss surface of 100 sqm. The ‘tree’ reduces fine dust in the ambient air, removing harmful particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, while humidifying it and providing the cooling capacity of 81 real trees. It is surrounded by seating and particulate-absorbing paving to provide a restorative resting place.

Pushing Technology Boundaries

Eddie McGillycuddy CEO Glencar says that “Baytree are at the absolute vanguard of cutting-edge sustainable development creating technology enabled buildings designed with flexibility for future change and with the health and wellbeing of building users firmly in mind.”

At Baytree Leeds, the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) goes beyond optimised data-driven decision-making. The use of innovative technologies will improve operations, driving efficiency, cost savings, and process performance.

Our Works team has developed BIM and digital twin technology models, providing comprehensive digital representations of building-related data for operation, performance, and maintenance. Advanced sensors, including 4-D Monitoring smart building technology, coupled with a digital twin, manage monitoring and control systems. The digital twin interprets data to optimise energy usage, lighting, heating, humidity and ventilation, promoting energy efficiency and occupant well-being through AI-driven algorithms.

“This is the latest project for Baytree where digital twin technology has been applied to ensure seamless coordinated delivery, and enhance building usability and efficiency in use. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and digital innovation, and applying circular economy and wellbeing principles in its design, delivery and operation, Baytree Leeds delivers flexibility, user wellbeing, and environmental sustainability.” Sagal Rooble Digital Strategy Coordinator Chetwoods.

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