Unilever’s UK headquarters is in Leatherhead in Surrey in a building we designed for them around 10 years ago.

Occupying a former industrial brownfield site, the design of the 204,000 sq ft office complex required a sensitive and sustainable approach which acknowledged the adjacent green belt. The three-storey office building is set over a podium deck which, by utilising the existing topography on the site, has allowed the required car parking provision to be largely concealed.

A central atrium forms the heart of the building and acts not only as a first impression on visitors, but also as a space to showcase and launch new products as well as improving communication across the different departments in the building.

The atrium opens towards the adjacent brook and meadows beyond. A single storey feature pavilion perched on the edge of the deck completes the concept by providing an on-site amenity, making the scheme more self-sufficient and sustainable.

A minimum of 10% of the building’s energy is provided via renewable sources including a ground source heat pump and solar hot water which has contributed to achieving a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating.