Intended to break from the traditional take, make, dispose construction model, the two-storey buildings design prioritises materials that can be repurposed and dismantled.The design team worked closely with Unusual Riggings managing director Tom Harper, an expert in circular economy principles, and the building integrates reused materials such as steel and circularly certified components.Using a fabric-first approach and high thermal efficiency, the design incorporates air-source heat pumps, roof-mounted photovoltaics and rainwater harvesting.AdvertisementArchitects viewThe building design prioritises functionality and user experience, featuring two rectangular wings connected by a central double-height atrium with a striking staircase, framing a landscaped courtyard. This inviting space serves as the heart of the building, enhancing employee and visitor experience.Internally, the layout offers a blend of open-plan offices, private meeting rooms, breakout areas and a canteen, balancing collaboration and privacy while allowing for flexibility as the company evolves. The design adheres to Passivhaus standards, minimising embodied carbon while ensuring high energy efficiency. Biophilic design principles, such as natural planting and organic forms, are seamlessly integrated, promoting a healthier and more productive workplace.Circular economy principles guided the interior fit-out, focusing on low embodied carbon and high reuse potential. Cradle-to-cradle-certified materials and reversible fixing methods were used to minimise waste, ensuring the buildings longevity and sustainability.Unusual HQ incorporates a variety of sustainable design elements. The building uses renewable energy sources, including rooftop photovoltaics and a ground-source heat pump. Materials including cork flooring, recyclable carpet tiles, and Accoya timber cladding reflect a commitment to long-term sustainability.Breathable, natural paints and cradle-to-cradle-certified furniture were selected to ensure indoor air quality and ease of disassembly at the end of the buildings life. By focusing on reusable materials and low-carbon solutions, Corstorphine & Wright has created a new building that is as functional as it is environmentally responsible.Unusual HQ serves as a test bed for innovative materials and construction methods, including the first-ever use of Breathaboard, a sustainable alternative to traditional plasterboard. The buildings design emphasises the future reuse of materials, ensuring that the structure can be easily disassembled and repurposed at the end of its life. It offers an unparalleled example of how modern businesses can adopt sustainable practices while creating a functional and inspiring workspace.The building is a pioneering example of circular economy principles and low-energy design. Built with sustainable, biogenic materials, it has been carefully designed for durability and disassembly, ensuring the building can be reused at the end of its life. The project challenges traditional approaches by addressing the true cost of materials, including their social and environmental impact, and serves as a test bed for the future of sustainable, circular architecture.It has been a privilege to deliver this building for Unusual Rigging and I am deeply proud of what we have collectively achieved.Jonny Plant, director, Corstorphine & WrightClients viewWhat a pleasure it has been to have Corstorphine & Wright undertake the design of Unusuals new HQ and research building. From the start, they embraced our vision of building a new office in accordance with the key principles of the circular economy, in many instances really challenging conventional assumptions about the structural materials used. At a time of global ecological crises, there are few organisations out there who seem to be demonstrating active hope, who are showing that an economy that is truly regenerative and restorative by design is a possibility. It has been an inspiring journey.Tom Harper, managing director, Unusual Rigging Source:Corstorphine & WrightProject dataStart on site August 2023Completion date June 2024Gross internal floor area 727m2Form of contract or procurement route Design and buildConstruction cost UndisclosedArchitect Corstorphine & WrightPlanning design architect Walker AssociatesClient Unusual RiggingStructural engineer MomentumM&E consultant Ingine/Front FiveSustainability consultant KLH SustainabilityLandscape consultant Furse Landscape ArchitectsPrincipal designer Corstorphine & WrightCDM coordinator CDM ServicesApproved building inspector AssentMain contractor Foxton ConstructionGlulam and timber frame subcontractor Timber InnovationsRoof and cladding subcontractor 1Eighty Roofing SolutionsCAD software used RevitEnvironmental Performance dataPercentage of floor area with daylight factor >2% Not suppliedPercentage of floor area with daylight factor >5% Not suppliedOn-site energy generation 66.05 kwh/m2/yrAnnual mains water consumption Not suppliedAirtightness at 50pa 1.0 m3/h.m2Heating, cooling and hot water load 16.58 kwh/m2/yrPrimary energy use -36 kwh/m2/yrOverall area-weighted u-value 0.37 w/m2kDesign life 50 yearsEmbodied / whole-life carbon 364 KgCO2eq/m2 (A1-A3 estimated)Annual CO2 emissions -2.71 KgCO2eq/m2