Location:
High Street

Colchester
Essex CO1 1UE
United Kingdom

coordinates: 51.8888741,0.9061575
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Building names(s): Firstsite
Architect/Designer: Rafael Vinoly
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Completion date: 2011

function(s): contemporary art, cultural center, gallery

area: 3200 m²

green credentials:
According to the Colchester Borough Council, there have been a number of measures taken during the construction to make the project environmentally friendly. These include:
Building up the site with local recycled rubble from a demolished Garrison building
Durable materials have been used and timber is from a sustainable source
The insulating layer that covers the entire building is a product called ‘Glassfoam’ made from 66% recycled glass
An under floor heating system has been installed for the most effective way of heating the building. Because the heat comes from the lowest point in the space, only the lowest air is heated i.e. where people are circulating. A normal heating system would heat the air half way up the wall and above, making it less effective
High solar gain has been minimised through the design, which in turn minimises the need to use cooling systems
The operation of firstsite is also environmentally conscious:

All staff including the catering franchise will continue to uphold best practice in the recycling of everyday items such as all paper, ink cartridges, glass and other items used
The fixtures and fittings will be of the highest feasible efficiency to achieve maximum energy efficiency
The minimal car parking is designed to encourage the use of more sustainable modes of transport

website: www.firstsite.uk.net

admission cost: free

Opening Hours:
Monday – Wednesday 8am – 7pm
Thursday – Saturday 8am – 11pm
Sunday 10am – 5pm

Exhibition spaces
Monday – Saturday 10am – 7pm
Sunday 11am – 5pm

MUSA Café Restaurant
Monday – Saturday 8am – 6pm
Thursday – Saturday 7 – 11pm; last orders 9.30pm
Sunday 10am – 5pm

architectural drawings: