From vision to reality: a better kind of warehouse

That’s what the Rhenus Campus is.

A one-million-square-foot warehousing and logistics facility in Nuneaton in the heart of the Midlands, United Kingdom. Developed by Baytree, the “BREEAM Outstanding” certified buildings set a new standard for sustainability-led design, a high-performing logistics facility and social engagement with the local community.

The development has been designed to accentuate the existing site features, including the Coventry Canal, and has a direct footpath link to the rail station.

To avoid reliance on fossil fuel technology, the site utilizes air-source heat pumps for heating and hot water generation and electric vehicle charging facilities across its car parking, with the capacity to provide electric vehicle charging to all trailer park bays.

With sustainability at the heart of the project, there was a zero-to-landfill approach to construction waste and arisings. The campus utilizes recycled building components, rainwater recycling and photovoltaic panels. The timber-framed office component saved 300 tonnes of carbon over the use of steel for typical construction.

The office element used a Glulam Frame and CLT (cross-laminated timber) finishes throughout. Overall, in the development phase, there has been significant C02 mitigation as a result of over 1,000 truckloads of soil to cap a quarry within 250 metres of the site.

Amenities at the site include two MUGA (multi-use games area) sports pitches, staff and community allotments, external trim trail and gym equipment, rooftop gardens, over 2 kilometres of exercise footpaths and trails, with seating and picnic area, native tree and edible planting.

Most of these amenities are available for pre-approved local community groups to use at certain times.

Biodiversity was also a unique consideration for this project, which incorporates bat and bird boxes, as well as habitat boards made from recycled timber.

In addition to the outstanding focus on environmental factors, the Rhenus Campus showcases how large warehouse buildings can create a surprising and positive impact on local communities by being a good neighbour – and providing components of community infrastructure.

It’s a working example of how to address the social needs of employees and engage with the local community, not to mention, how to transform a warehouse into a vibrant, community-oriented space.

Avison Young advised Rhenus Logistics on the identification, acquisition, due diligence and project delivery of the fit- out of the logistics campus developed by Baytree and AXA. Our input involved a full range of building consultancy and project management services to the occupier. The project was notable for the collaboration between the building owner and occupier as they developed their vision into reality and held true to the social, economic, wellbeing and environmental benefits and outcomes the project aimed to generate.