AESSEAL Global Technology Centre - Factory of the Future

The Brief

The development is a new additional building which will be linked to AESSEAL’s existing facility via a 2 storey glazed structure containing the new single entrance to the entire integrated facility. The new building comprises a 50,000 sq ft single storey machine shop supporting a range of state-of-the-art computerised machines; and a 2 storey office accommodation.

Accommodation will include meeting rooms, staff changing facilities, new offices and ancillary spaces. The application also includes external works involving a formal landscape to the new entrance, substation, service yard, cycle store, accessible parking and staff picnic area.

The Design

The building strives to minimise its energy requirements through sustainable design and construction. As a project team we are targeting beyond the required BREEAM ‘Very Good’ and have undertaken a ‘Life Cycle Analysis’ to assess the appropriate selection of materials, and ‘Life Cycle Costing’ to calculate the lifespan and performance of the building from an operational aspect.

The similarities in cladding and pitch roof with eaves helps the new building reference the existing. The new glass link that connects the two buildings on plan helps maintains a visual degree of transparency and separation between the buildings.

The green landscape will be enhanced to frame the 2 key views: a ‘showcase’ window framing the building as a landmark and view from at the main entrance. In order to minimise crime and security a new public footpath is planned from the nearby bus route as well as a new perimeter fence which will secure the whole site.

The Outcome

AESSEAL were established 40 years ago in South Yorkshire and employ nearly 400 staff, championing British Engineering they export to over 100 countries. The site lies within the Industrial and Business Use allocation in the Rotherham Local Plan.

This is the fifth phase we have undertaken for AES over 20 years on this site, as well as working internationally with them.

Construction began on AESSEAL’s new Factory of the Future in January and is expected to completed in July 2023.