The recently completed Hive in Worcester has received the highest ever BREEAM score for a public library from BRE Global.

The £60 million building was constructed by a team headed up by Galliford Try, and included architects Feilden Clegg Bradley and consultants Max Fordham, Hyder and Grant Associates. It will operate as a 25-year PFI contract, secured by the Galliford Try Investments division.

The team were contracted to achieve an ‘Excellent’ rating, however the project always aspired to surpassing this requirement and was recently awarded an ‘Outstanding’ rating, with an overall score of 86.4%.

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Built for Worcestershire County Council and the University of Worcester the scheme features the county archives and archaeology departments, as well as public and university libraries and a social services hub for local people. Combining all these requirements with an iconic design, the Hive was formally opened on July 11 by Her Majesty The Queen as part of her continuing Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Environmental features include biomass boilers, passive ventilation systems, high levels of daylight, rainwater re-cycling and a river water cooling system linked to the nearby River Severn. The iconic roof cones were constructed with environmentally-friendly cross laminated timber, while extensive landscaping to the front of the library has created a much-needed green space, which also features an outdoor island classroom.

(CD/GK)