Timber is to be used extensively in a £5m eco-friendly office and conference centre in Durham.
Planners have approved construction of the 48,000ft2 Rivergreen Centre, which is expected to provide more than 200 jobs in a range of businesses, together with a conference centre for up to 200 people.
Rivergreen Developments plc says wood will be used widely in the construction, including external walls which will feature a lime harl finish.
The building, designed by Newcastle-based architects Jane Darbyshire and David Kendall Ltd, will collect rainwater and central heating will be provided by a ground water heat pump linked to boreholes underground.
Other features include a sedum roof, an earth rammed wall and photo-voltaic cells.
