Groupe Atlantic

Sustainable Interior Design

Groupe Atlantic are world leaders in Thermal Comfort. Their single-minded aim is to rise to society’s challenge of reducing energy consumption and increasing the use of renewable energy while still satisfying the demand for thermal comfort.

RFD were commissioned to Design & Build their new National Expert Academy with the focus on decarbonisation. We did this by implementing a fully sustainable approach across the whole project. Natural moss which has absorbed carbon throughout its life cycle sits against FSC certified oak cladding with recycled plastic acoustic backing. Ultra-low carbon furniture solutions were added within the carbon reducing mechanical and electrical solution installed at the Academy.

Focus on recycling

We chose manufacturers with eco-conscious processes such as Karndean flooring who focus heavily on recycled content. Tarkett carpets were also specified to the office and training rooms who promote reusing and recycling post-industrial and post-installation waste. They also use carbon negative floor fillers and have one of the largest recycling programmes in the world which is over 9,000 tonnes per year.

Decarbonisation

Every element of the design process was sensitive to sustainability and decarbonisation in the Academy. All of the doors for example feature Egger laminates who as a company use Biomass power plants in 7 European locations avoiding approximately 746,000 tonnes of C02 emissions per year.

The local environment

We paid close attention to even the small elements of the project such as the coasters and vases which featured white eco resin with inlaid terrazzo style recycled mussel shells. The shells come from local seafood restaurants and are cleaned, polished and crushed into the fabrication of the items which look great and have superb eco credentials.

Carbon reduction

The project lighting was designed and installed with carbon reducing products and modern detection technology. All the Hacel lighting specified was UK manufactured for quality excellence and logistic sustainability. The dimmable controls and passive sensors reduce wattage consumption and reduce energy.

Renewable energy

The project featured many living biophilia products which clean the air within the Training Academy. The concept of bringing the outdoors inside is not new and this is why we push our clients to consider the wellbeing benefits this adds to a commercial environment. Positive energy and air quality sit alongside a fresh-air mechanical distribution solution designed within the fabric of the property at the quality Wykeland Bridgehead development.

Love your workspace

The main project fabrics we specified by Kvadrat are super eco-friendly. These are fabricated from recycled materials and are produced from a 100% renewable energy facility in Denmark. The café space also features a Quooker hot tap which uses 50% less energy than a traditional kitchen boiler. Our approach to the Expert Academy Design & Build has made the project sustainable and healthy for stakeholders to this environment which has a striking look and a remarkable operational function both now and for years to come.