The architectural landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with sustainability and innovation taking centre stage. A prime example of this movement is the newly inaugurated Oscar Innovation Centre, the headquarters of Oscar Acoustics, a frontrunner in architectural acoustic solutions. Situated in Medway Valley, Kent, this cutting-edge facility embodies the future of sustainable architecture. Spanning 16,200 square feet and constructed on a former cement works site, the Oscar Innovation Centre not only exemplifies environmental excellence but also serves as a showcase for the company’s top-tier acoustic products.
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The Oscar Innovation Centre marks a notable milestone in the realm of sustainable architecture. The building has garnered the esteemed ‘Green Plaque’ status, a third-party new-build assessment that is independently peer-reviewed and administered by Lifecycle Design. This accolade is reserved for buildings that meet the highest sustainability and environmental standards in the UK. Adding to its credentials, the centre boasts an A+ EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating, positioning it within the top 0.35% of the most energy-efficient schemes in England. Independent assessors have further recognised it as a ‘net zero emissions’ building, a remarkable feat in today’s environmental context.
A key feature of the Oscar Innovation Centre is its use of SonaSpray, a range of decorative acoustic sprays from Oscar Acoustics. Composed of fire-treated recycled paper, SonaSpray excels in absorbing sound energy, thereby creating serene, distraction-free environments. Furthermore, it contributes to sustainable building practices. This product range has been employed in some of the UK’s most eco-friendly construction projects, including the Enterprise Centre at the University of East Anglia. SonaSpray assists architects in achieving acoustic excellence and meeting various sustainable design and health certification systems, such as WELL, BREEAM, SKA, and the Living Building Challenge. It can also contribute up to 17 points towards a project’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating. Additionally, SonaSpray holds GREENGUARD Gold certification, ensuring optimal indoor air quality.
The design and construction of the Oscar Innovation Centre have been meticulously orchestrated to mirror the company’s dedication to sustainability. The facility comprises modern open-plan office spaces, meeting rooms, a staff lounge, and a kitchen, all designed to provide a contemporary and high-quality working environment. It also serves as an ‘innovation facility,’ enabling prospective clients to experience Oscar Acoustics’ products in a real-world setting. The building’s use of eco-friendly materials and construction methods, including an extensive solar energy system with nearly 80 photovoltaic panels, ensures its operation entirely on renewable energy.
Oscar Acoustics’ pursuit of sustainability is not a recent development. The company achieved ISO 14001 certification in 2020 and became independently certified as carbon-neutral in 2023. The inauguration of the Oscar Innovation Centre is the latest milestone in this ongoing journey, with defined objectives to achieve net zero by 2050. Ben Hancock, Managing Director of Oscar Acoustics, remarked, “Our new A+ EPC-rated, net zero emissions HQ isn’t just a building; it’s a testament to our unwavering commitment to environmental excellence. We’ve built on our sustainability goals year-on-year, so we’re extremely proud to be recognised at this level.”
The Oscar Innovation Centre stands as a paradigm for future sustainable architectural projects. Its success illustrates the possibilities that arise when dedication, enthusiasm, and expertise converge. As Andrew Pook, Environmental Consultant from Green Plaque, observed, “Sometimes a project comes along that just ticks all the boxes. Though the Green Plaque assessment is not simply about describing exemplary developments, this one is really quite exciting and just shows what can be achieved when the commitment, enthusiasm, and expertise is there.”
The Oscar Innovation Centre transcends being just a building; it is a beacon of sustainable architecture and acoustic excellence. It demonstrates the potential of integrating innovative design with environmental responsibility, setting a new benchmark for future construction projects. Amidst the ongoing global environmental challenges, the Oscar Innovation Centre stands as a testament to the achievements possible when sustainability is prioritised in architectural design.
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