The energy centre will be built as part of Phase 1 of the 980 Great West Road masterplan and will provide heating and hot water via a service loop generated by air source heat pumps (ASHPs).

The flow/return temperature of 65/35°C has a sufficiently high flow temperature to produce domestic hot water to every dwelling HIU and sufficiently low return temperature to ensure high efficiency across the system.

The ground floor contains thermal stores, substations, plant which requires direct access to the street and a small office and welfare facility. The upper floors contain, boilers, pumps, compressors, air source heat pumps and includes a small PPE room.

The energy centre is stacked to save space and bring it closer to the adjacent shoulder heights. The rooftop ASHPs are screened with extended parapets. On the east and west facades, the parapets are raised to further to provide visual and acoustic screening from the adjacent student accommodation block and bring it closer to the shoulder height of the abutting block to the west.

A large window offers a glimpse into the building on Great West Road, announcing the energy centre to motorists in vehicles and passersby.

The recycled car park cladding panels are mounted creatively with a lapped arrangement, animating the mostly solid façade, and casting strong horizontal shadows.

The surface behind the mesh cladding is uplit with variable brightness depending on the intensity of energy generation whilst the tank room containing thermal stores facing Great West Road is also illuminated at night.