New Fleet Headquarters is model of energy efficiency

Opened last month by HRH The Princess Royal, the new Fleet Headquarters of the Royal Navy adjoins a Site of Special Scientific Interest — and is itself a building combining the latest in energy efficiency and environmentally conscious design. The design of the building features natural stack ventilation using a central atrium to allow warm air to rise and cooler air to be draw in through floor plena. Extensive use of heat recovery, utilisation of the building’s thermal mass and rainwater harvesting contribute to reducing energy consumption and the use of mains water. The Henry Leach Building on Whale Island, Portsmouth, houses the Commander-in-Chief and 730 staff, brought together from a number of buildings around Portsmouth. Its front is just 20 m from the water’s edge. Architectural and engineering practice Pick Everard was project manager and lead designer.