During a four-year period, we worked with Sainsbury’s to explore environmental sustainability in superstore design, developing and delivering the world's first low energy supermarket building.

The unique eco-millennium store represented a complete re-think of traditional supermarket design, with every aspect of the standard retail ‘shed’ re-assessed to maximise energy efficiency, minimise environmental impact and make shopping more pleasant for customers.

When it opened, the store scored the highest ever official environmental rating for a retail building with a perfect 31 out of 31 points, and was the first store to be awarded a BREEAM Excellent rating.

Everything from the form of the building to the construction materials and finishes, was carefully chosen both for its appearance and for its sustainability credentials. Key design features included a north lit sales area creating a comfortable market environment with underfloor heating, cooling and passive ventilation. Externally the building envelope was insulated by earth sheltering, integrating the building with its environment. The low-energy design also incorporated photovoltaics and wind turbines.

Extensive use was made of unfinished natural and recycled materials, all helping to minimise the use of oil-based finishes and the associated release of volatile organic compounds into the environment.  Recycled materials included the entrance lobby floor made from recycled aircraft and car tyres and WC wall panelling of melted recycled plastic bottles.

The building used half the energy required to operate a standard store and many of its innovative features were replicated throughout the world.

The building’s innovation and architectural merit were recognised through a number of awards. Shortlisted for the Stirling Prize, the building was selected as one of The Twentieth Century Society’s 100 Buildings for 100 Years.