Building Case Studies
SIA HOUSE - OLDBROOK
SIA House has been a truly inspirational project for the Milton Keynes community, and the building was officially opened by the group's Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, on 2 December 2005. The product was an exceptional and innovative headquarters for the organisation, combining a strong commitment to environmental awareness and sustainability with the requirements of universal accessibility. The overriding idea behind SIA House was to demonstrate how to break down the barriers that have previously prevented spinal cord injured people getting employment and achieving independence.
The building has a number of eco-friendly features such as photovoltaic cells that generate renewable energy, and a system to collect and reuse rainwater. Speaking of the project, Bart Hellyer, Chair of SIA said: "There have been many highlights associated with the project, and the support we received from Milton Keynes Council, English Partnerships and the Milton Keynes Community Foundation is definitely one of these. Between them, they helped us choose Milton Keynes as the new home for SIA, identify a suitable plot of land, and Milton Keynes Community Foundation’s willingness to give us a massive 75% reduction on the cost of our Oldbrook site helped us realise our dream."
The Foundation was delighted to have been able to support the SIA project, andJulia Seal, Chief Executive of the Milton Keynes Community Foundation said: "SIA impressed us with their commitment of providing employment opportunities, an information and resource centre and their support of the local community. For these reasons, it is a privelege to be associated with SIA's work, and everyone at the Foundation sends their very best wishes for their future activities both nationally and locally."
When we asked Paul Smith, Executive Director of SIA, to provide advice to groups thinking about developing a site, this is what he had to say:
"You need to identify the land before you design the building - our centre would not work on any other plot of land. You need to work with the environment, not try and change it. A local team is a great asset - it makes face to face contact so much easier. Make sure you can raise the funds within a realistic time-frame. When raising funds for the building, break the various elements down into small sponsorship packages ie. meeting room, kitchen etc.
An environmentally friendly building is not just good for the planet, it can be good for the organisation - sustainability is really important. Where possible, design with expansion in mind that is easy and cheap to achieve.
Remember people need to get to your building - make sure if car parking is needed that there is enough. Involve those sing the building in the design process. Do not get carried away! - keep within the budget you have set otherwise you may be able to raise the funds."
