Have you ever seen a building quite like One Angel Square? It’s more than just an office block. One Angel Square is a statement about sustainability, innovation, and the future of Manchester.
One Angel Square is the headquarters of the Co-operative Group. Construction finished in 2013. This striking building is the centerpiece of the 800 million NOMA development. NOMA sits in the Angel Meadows area of Manchester city centre. One Angel Square cost at least 105 million to build. It was then sold on leaseback terms for 142 million.
Look closely at One Angel Square. Its design is like nothing else. Some say One Angel Square looks like a sliced egg. Others see a ship. Architects 3DReid revealed the design in 2009. Construction started in 2010. One Angel Square officially opened in March 2013.
But One Angel Square is not just about looks. It’s one of the most sustainable large buildings in Europe. One Angel Square boasts a BREEAM Outstanding rating. It generates its own power using a biodiesel cogeneration plant. This plant uses rapeseed oil. The building maximizes natural resources. One Angel Square uses passive solar gain for heat. Natural ventilation flows through its double-skin facade. Rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling are key features. One Angel Square even recycles waste heat.
The Co-operative Group decided to move to a new headquarters in 2008. Their old buildings were on Miller Street and Corporation Street. From 2008 to 2011, the group expanded. Membership doubled to six million. Revenue and profits also doubled. The takeovers of Somerfield and Britannia Building Society meant more space was needed. The new location was near Angel Meadow. Friedrich Engels once called this area hell on earth.
In 2011, the Co-operative announced the NOMA project. This would regenerate 20 acres north of Manchester city centre. The project included office, retail, residential, and hotel space. Manchester City Council contributed 20 million to encourage redevelopment.
Building One Angel Square was a massive undertaking. Workers installed 539 pile foundations. They used 3300 tonnes of steel and 1948 concrete floor slabs. BAM Construction was the main contractor. Waagner Biro built the double skin facade. Over 4000 workers from 90 companies helped build One Angel Square.
One Angel Square uses many sustainable design features. The open atrium faces south. This collects heat from the sun. Stepped curved shades above the atrium prevent overheating. In winter, louvres close to keep warm air inside. In summer, the louvres open to expel hot air.
The building’s heat and power plant uses biofuel and waste cooking oil. Computer systems recycle waste heat. There is a used water recycling system. Rainwater is also harvested. Concrete helps control temperature fluctuations.
One Angel Square has won many awards. It’s the only UK commercial building with top ratings in energy and sustainability.
Consider the beehive shape of One Angel Square. It is a symbol of cooperation. The Co-operative movement has long used this symbol. The unique design promotes sustainability. It also offers a striking addition to Manchester’s skyline. One Angel Square is more than just a building. It is a symbol of a sustainable future.