Together with MEPC, we've designed two net zero carbon (in use) office buildings at the heart of the NOMA masterplan in Manchester. Our plans for 2 & 3 Angel Square are currently out for public consultation.

These competition-winning proposals for two new office buildings as part of the NOMA masterplan in Manchester will be BREEAM Outstanding, low carbon in construction and net zero carbon in use.

The two buildings are designed to be distinctive in their own right, but also to complement each other, creating a sense of place and interaction with the public realm and wider masterplan.

The introduction of a contemporary ‘piano nobile’ helps to activate the adjacent public square and creates a second level of interaction with the public realm through an open, colonnaded and glazed level above the Square.

Wellbeing is at the heart of the design, with excellent levels of natural light and access to outdoor space for office workers. More than 250 cycle spaces are planned for across the two buildings as well as facilities to encourage active travel.

We have taken great care to reduce levels of embodied carbon. All elements of the design, from the building structure, mechanical and electrical equipment down to the internal finishes, have been subject to extensive analysis to strip away unnecessary materials.

All services are located in the floorplate, enabling a clear cross-laminated timber soffit which expresses the building’s sustainable credentials.

The facade strategy is responsive to orientation with window sizes contracting and expanding to control solar gain and promote lower energy use. The facade is made up of terracotta panels which are fully reusable and contribute to the circular economy.

Delivering social value

The development of 2 & 3 Angel Square will bring the following benefits:

• 4,400 new jobs, together with 400 temporary jobs during the construction period with opportunities for local people to access employment through a Local Labour Agreement.
• Enabling the redesign of Angel Square with high-quality landscaping to provide an improved green space in the heart of NOMA.
• Extensive cycle facilities and improved connections to the surrounding areas, maximising the potential of this highly accessible and sustainable location.
• Sensitive, high quality architectural design, landscaping and historical
  interpretation contributing to sense of place.

More information on the updated proposals is available on on the NOMA Engage website.