151 The Broadway lives up to CIPD’s high expectations, providing a variety of spaces and a strong sense of community in a stimulating and comfortable open-plan environment.

The new building consists of ground floor plus four storeys of office space around a semi-circular atrium. The atrium is a defining feature; it is open on all floors and increases in size as it rises up through the building. Lightweight steel and timber bridges span across its glazed wall and structural necessity is turned to advantage by an inclined column, which emphasises the link between the open plan office floors.

At ground level there is a specialist library, which is open to the public, and a small catering kitchen together with a multi-functional area that serves as a staff restaurant during the day.

The construction is largely conventional, but it is existing technology well used, with components made to work at maximum efficiency in a building designed to utilise passive environmental control as part of a low-energy strategy.

The thermal mass of the concrete slabs provides natural cooling, so there is no suspended ceiling to conceal the structure. This is visible throughout the building and reflects an underlying clarity and honesty in the use of materials.

Internal finishes are high-quality, but simple: good quality fairfaced concrete ceilings and pre-cast staircases, brushed stainless steel balustrades and handrails. In the office areas, suspended gull-wing acoustic baffles double as light fittings, combining direct lighting and ambient up-lights.

The design and construction team completed the project with true team spirit and the sense of a job well done. All are delighted that the client team and some 350 personnel have fully endorsed the form and qualities of building. Within a modest budget, this is an exemplar sustainable development; an environment tuned to its occupants and a building that reinforces the CIPD’s brand and forward-looking culture.