Maple are starting work on a solar shading system for the new UKHO headquarters in Taunton.
The UKHO (or United Kingdom Hydrographic Office to give its full title) collects and supplies hydrographic and geospatial data for the Royal Navy and merchant shipping.
A trading part of the Ministry of Defence, it employs around 900 people and had a turnover of £145m in 2016/17 ― allowing the organisation to self-fund the new HQ, which is due to open in 2019.
Designed by AHR, the new headquarters will replace 14 separate buildings, which are between 45 and 75 years old.
Our brise soleil system (which includes a number of curved louvres) will not only provide protection from glare and solar gain, it will also contribute to the building aesthetic, which is based on the concepts of contours and currents.