Leading national architectural practice, Design Group 3 Architects, is setting the standard for a new generation of design-led and sustainable Motorway Service Areas.

The practice has been appointed by leading Motorway Service Area developers, investors and operators, the Swayfields Group of Companies, to design one of its flagship new service areas at Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire.

An overall site of approximately 55 acres, the development comprises a filling station, hotel and 3,000 sq m amenity building, including a food court and complimentary range of retail, restaurant and leisure units, together with 675 car parking spaces for all categories of vehicle.

One of the largest and busiest Motorway Service Areas in Europe, the development has an attractive setting within Burtley Woods and is readily accessible to the M40 junction 2 and A355 at an important and strategic location in the overall motorway network.

The £25 million scheme proposed by Design Group 3 Architects fully maximises the development’s idyllic location with a contemporary design that integrates inside and outside areas to stunning effect.

A gently sweeping free form curved roof supported by a number of columns covers the main amenities area and is the focal point of the main building. Two corner walls have been completely removed and replaced with floor to ceiling glazing that makes the most of the natural daylight and provides a light, airy and restful space for travellers.

Extensive high quality external landscaping integrates the development into its sensitive surroundings, protecting and enhancing the natural beauty of the area to the benefit of visitors by including a number of ponds, water features, picnic facilities and woodland walks.

Design Group 3 Architects has also made full use of renewable energy and sustainable design initiatives. The scheme features a unique energy efficient solar wall to the south facing rear elevation, solar controlled external lighting, rainwater harvesting and grey water recycling. The rainwater is held on site in a large pond to provide an attractive customer amenity alongside a high quality landscaped courtyard.

The whole design is further enhanced with good quality interior and exterior finishes, clear signage and the use of natural materials such as copper.

Group Managing Director of Swayfields, Andrew Long commented: “This is an attractive design to meet up to date commercial requirements and will substantially improve facilities for motorway customers. It represents a substantial improvement on the traditional expectations of customers at a typical Motorway Service Area. Design Group 3 Architects has worked closely with Swayfields to evolve and finalise these designs and we have been very pleased with the outcome.”

Design Group 3 Architects’ Chairman, Gareth Howell commented: “Working with Swayfields has given us the opportunity to showcase our expertise in a new sector and to put forward a sustainable and commercially viable design that really meets the needs of this unique site.”

Design Group 3 Architects is a design-led architectural practice with three creative studios in Leeds, Bristol and Brighton and a proven track record in the delivery of innovative, sustainable and commercially successful projects across the UK.

Email: emma@mere.co.uk