North-East architects are pushing forward with a `go-green' ethos. Leading North-East architects Dewjo'c is a company at the cutting edge of sustainability and environmental issues, offering clients a mix of technical and specialist expertise, combined with a flair for imaginative, innovative design. As members of the AECB: The Sustainable Building Association and experts in sustainability, Dewjo'c prides itself on its award-winning work designing sustainable and environmentally-sound buildings. Recent projects include a major new development commissioned by Durham County Council (with Wear Valley District Council) to address sustainable, green design principles at Low Willington Industrial Estate, Co Durham. The 14 single-storey offices, due for completion in September, incorporate rainwater harvesting and `grey water' recycling, and use sustainable materials, integrating cedar boarding with brick and render panels all under a natural aluminium mono pitched roof. "At Dewjo'c we aim to create buildings embracing principles of green design and providing a stimulating working environment, said director Peter Walker. "We are committed to the principles and values of sustainable development and hope to see more environmentally conscious office developments in future. "Each commission brings its own unique requirements and challenges, and we work hard with our clients to develop an appropriate design response. "That is the joy of architecture." Dewjoc's designs were recognised by Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Renaissance Awards, claiming the title for Building of the Year and a gold sustainability award for its Devonshire Building for Newcastle University. The building was the first bespoke development in the UK to achieve an excellent BREAAM rating for the highest standards of sustainable design. It opened in March 2004 and is used to house the university's laboratories and office spaces and was designed to capitalise on the local climate, using natural daylight and natural ventilation. It has highly serviced laboratories and research office space around a central atrium. The central area is a climate buffer, reducing heat loss and providing heat gain to the adjacent spaces. Dewjo'c has also worked on other developments for the university, notably the transformation of the Grade II-listed Grand Assembly Rooms into the cutting edge Culture Laboratory. It is a flagship for the university's new cultural quarter. Dewjo'c integrated a sophisticated, technical environment with a building of historical and architectural importance, housing recording studios, multi-media laboratories and electronics workshop. The building won a Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors 2007 Renaissance Award for building conservation. Mr Walker said: "We also recently completed the City of Sunderland College's £10m Usworth Sixth Form College project. "The state-of-the-art college, built on part of the site of Usworth School, has a learning resource centre, a computer learning unit, science laboratories, lecture theatre, multi-purpose seminar rooms and a landscaped roof terrace. "We crafted a building that engages staff and students and uses as much natural light as possible, stimulating learning, teaching and providing ventilation and a light, airy feel." UK Land Estates also commissioned Dewjo'c in 2005 to transform Hadrian House, a 1970s office block beside Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle, which houses 60,000sqft of prime office space. The £3m refurbishment involved stripping out the building's interior and renewing mechanical and electrical systems, including air conditioning. Other recent contracts demonstrating the diversity of Dewjo'c's skill set include two new contracts in the public transport sector, totalling £20.5m. And Dewjo'c has been commissioned to refurbish five London Underground stations. The contract wins follow completion of a major project to design bus depot workshops and offices for coach operator Arriva in Edmonton, North London. Mr Walker added: "Dewjo'c has always been delighted to be involved in projects such as these. "We hope to continue to lead the way in design innovation across a wide range of sectors for years to come." | 
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