PR 37945t                                                                                             
21 June 2016

Gaia takes off at historic RAF Officers' Mess

Duxford Air Museum Cambridge - Imperial War Museum*

Gaia's low-temperature, wet underfloor heating has been installed as part of a project to turn a historic building into Cambridge's newest office space. Commercial property developer and investor, Mantle, has converted the former RAF Duxford Officers' Mess into modern office accommodation.

The Grade II-listed building, which Mantle has on a 120-year lease, opened last November as a business centre offering serviced office space for small and medium-sized companies. Within the original structure, traditional wall-mounted radiators have been retained, in keeping with the listed status, explains Simon Redman, Partner at Cambridge-based Cowper Griffith Architects.

However, a substantial new-build section has been added to the building, filling in unused space previously occupied by low-status areas and light-wells. Here, a contrasting modern structure has been erected with underfloor heating instead of radiators. The new-build element comprises an enclosed central courtyard with a café and a meeting space.

"It was really a given that we'd use underfloor heating here because it was important to maximise usable space," explains Simon. "It was also important that the new structure provided a modern contrast to the historic part of the building."

IT consultant, Chris Dallywater, whose company Cambition was among the first to relocate to the new business centre, said: "The new atrium and café offer the perfect 'social habitat' for cordial interaction, where people can absorb the heritage of the building and benefit from its original purpose as a place of strategic discussion and interpersonal communication."

For further information on Gaia Climate Solutions, please contact 01359 242400 or visitwww.gaia.co.uk 

With compliments 
Alison Relf  
Taylor Alden Ltd 
Unit 2 Temple Place  
247 The Broadway  
London  
SW19 1SD 
Tel: 020 8543 3866 
Email: alison@tayloralden.co.uk