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Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,HotpixUK,IMG_0017,solar,PV,photovoltaic,arrays,panels,house,Thelwall,Warrington,Cheshire,England,UK,renewable,energy,electricity,rooftop,domestic,residential,property,home,green,technology,decarbonisation,net zero,efficiency,retrofit,generation,household,roof,low-carbon
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 3EDKYN2 - Twin solar photovoltaic PV arrays fitted to a brick-built suburban house in Thelwall, Warrington, Cheshire, England, UK. Roof-mounted solar panels are visible on both the main pitched roof and the lower garage or extension roof beneath a bright blue sky, with mature garden trees around the property. The photograph is suitable for editorial coverage of domestic renewable energy, rooftop solar power, household electricity generation, energy efficiency, home retrofitting, net zero, decarbonisation, green technology and residential property improvements. Solar PV installations allow householders to generate electricity from sunlight and can reduce reliance on grid power, particularly when combined with battery storage, smart tariffs or other low-carbon technologies. The scene can illustrate stories about installation costs, payback periods, energy bills, government incentives, home energy upgrades, planning considerations, property values and the growing visibility of renewable-energy technology on ordinary UK homes.
Thelwall, Warrington, Cheshire, England, UK
Description
Keywords: @HotpixUK,GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,IMG_9975,Just a few solar PV,Just,few,solar,PV,England,business,retail,property,commercial,local,services,consumer,urban,economy
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 3E9348F - Just a few solar PV, photographed in England, UK. The photograph is suitable for editorial coverage of retail, property, local businesses, infrastructure, consumer services, town-centre change and the everyday commercial environment. The image clearly records the visible subject, signage, branding, architecture, object or activity associated with Just a few solar PV. It provides useful documentary context for news, features, travel, social history and contemporary editorial coverage. Details visible in the scene help identify the place or subject and show how it appears in everyday use, making the photograph useful for stories about local identity, economic and social change, public services, transport, leisure, heritage, tourism, community life and the built environment. The photograph can also support retrospective or comparative coverage where the survival, redevelopment, reuse or changing role of the location or object is relevant.
England, UK
Description
Keywords: Manchester,city,centre,Greater,England,UK,tower,offices,office,block,building,solar,panel,clad,service,skyscraper,on,Co-operative Insurance Society (CIS) by architects Gordon Tait and G.,architect,architects,Co-operative Wholesale Society,CWS,coop,M60,M60 0AL,history,historic,architecture,town,cities,towers,impressive,skyline,cityscape,sky line,towering,PV,panels
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2JTD30P - The CIS Tower is an office skyscraper on Miller Street in Manchester, England. Designed for the Co-operative Insurance Society (CIS) by architects Gordon Tait and G. S. Hay, the building was completed in 1962 and rises to 118 m (387 feet) in height. As of 2022, the Grade II listed building is Manchester's 10th-tallest building and the second-tallest office building in the United Kingdom outside London after City Tower. The tower remained as built for over 40 years, until maintenance issues on the service tower required an extensive renovation, which included covering its façade in photovoltaic panels.
The tower is situated on Miller Street, which forms the Manchester Inner Ring Road, and stands adjacent to New Century House, a high-rise office building also designed by Gordon Tait and G. S. Hay and constructed concurrently for the CIS's parent company, the Co-operative Wholesale Society (CWS)
The office tower building rises above a five-storey podium block. Each of the podium floors is 75 m × 55 m (246 ft × 180 ft), providing 4,125 m2 (44,400 sq ft) floor space per storey. Each office floor in the tower is 18 m × 44 m (59 ft × 144 ft), creating 727 m2 (7,830 sq ft) floor space per storey. The tower element consists of the steel-framed main office building and a windowless reinforced concrete service tower. The service tower rises higher than the main office block and houses lifts and stairwells.
The building has a symmetrical plan, with the main tower rising up from the north-eastern end of the podium block and projecting at the front over the first two floors and the main entrance. The service tower is attached to the centre of the main tower's south-west side, forming a squat T-shape. In total, the building has 388,000 sq ft (36,000 m2) of floor area, with clear open spaces on the office floors.
Miller St, Manchester, England, UK, M60 0AL
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,@Hotpixuk,Hotpixuk,CW9 6JR,CW9,signage,sunny,summer,blue sky,main,road,digital,PV,Road Closed,Here,Solar Sign,roadside,on,the,A49,to,from,eco,roads,close,closed,here,rd,hired,for,hire,kit,equipment,solar,signs,of,times,self-contained
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2JDRMXT - . Made at A49, Antrobus, Cheshire, England, UK, CW9 6JR in 2022, this photograph records a real place and moment, preserving details that may later be altered by redevelopment, rebranding, changing ownership or different public use. The photograph centres on Road Closed Here - Solar Sign on the A49 road to Northwich from Warrington, A49, Antrobus, Cheshire, England, UK, CW9 6JR. A broader reading of the photograph includes social history, public realm, local history, visual archive, urban change, changing streetscape, everyday life, changing land use, wayfinding system, directional marker, contemporary city life, street furniture, community life, and contemporary social history. The wider contemporary story combines inclusive design, public safety and the way signage becomes part of local visual identity. Viewed from the mid-2020s, the subject also connects with footfall, public-realm change and the documentary importance of recording everyday urban environments. Future viewers can use this scene from A49, Antrobus, Cheshire, England, UK, CW9 6JR to compare public access and movement with whatever follows after altered transport patterns. The subject also sits alongside route marker, urban social history, operational signage, community identity, public information signage, community noticeboard, instructional sign, and place identity. The combination of Northwich, Antrobus, Closed, and Solar anchors the frame to a recognisable activity, place or moment. The period setting at A49, Antrobus, Cheshire, England, UK, CW9 6JR helps place the main subject within real social and physical surroundings rather than isolating it as an abstract object. The setting also helps illustrate inclusive design and the importance of accessible information in hospitals, stations and public spaces as part of the longer story of A49, Antrobus, Cheshire, England, UK, CW9 6JR. The image fixes a trace of local identity before later change alters the scene.
A49, Antrobus, Cheshire, England, UK, CW9 6JR
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,England,UK,GB,North West England,city centre,Vue,Imax,cinema,CIS,Insurance Building,Solar,PV,complex,venue,Land Securities,Panels,Solar PV,Manchester City Centre,City Centre,entertainment,M4,sunny,history,Mirror,heritage,historic,venues,pubs,bars,clubs,restaurants,central,city,centre
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy RPGEN3 - The Printworks entertainment venue is located on the revamped Withy Grove site of the business premises of the 19th century newspaper proprietor Edward Hulton, established in 1873 and later expanded. Hulton's son Sir Edward Hulton expanded his father's newspaper interests and sold his publishing business based in London and Manchester to Lord Beaverbrook and Lord Rothermere when he retired in 1923. Most of the Hulton newspapers were sold again soon afterwards to the Allied Newspapers consortium formed in 1924 (renamed Kemsley Newspapers in 1943 and bought by Roy Thomson in 1959).
Earlier names of the buildings associated with publishing that were incorporated into the development include Withy Grove Printing House, the Chronicle Buildings, Allied House, Kemsley House, Thomson House and Maxwell House. Kemsley House on the corner of Withy Grove and Corporation Street was developed gradually from 1929 and became the largest newspaper printing house in Europe. The site housed a printing press until 1986. Robert Maxwell bought the property and subsequently closed it down The building was left unused for over a decade and fell derelict.
27 Withy Grove, Manchester, UK, M4 2BS
Description
Keywords: Edinburgh,Scotland,UK,red,tile,roof,solar,panel,eco,ecofriendly,modern,GoTonySmith,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,new,on,an,estate,near,PV,eco-friendly,Viscount Drive,EH22 3FX,EH22,development,houses,detached,render,rendered,Photovoltaic,panels,offer,renewable energy
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy DRH8CT - . New build houses, on an estate Viscount Dr, Eskbank, near Dalkeith, Edinburgh Midlothian, Scotland, UK, EH22 3FX. Photographed at Viscount Dr, Eskbank, near Dalkeith Midlothian, Scotland, UK, EH22 3FX. The photograph was taken on 20 October 2013. This editorial stock image documents the subject as it appeared at that time, preserving a clear record of the place, its appearance and the everyday details surrounding it. The scene is closely associated with Eskbank, Dalkeith, houses, build, development, Midlothian, detached, homes, panels and Edinburgh, adding specific subject detail and useful search context without losing the documentary focus on the main subject. The image is relevant to architecture, the built environment, urban heritage, streetscape and the way historic and modern buildings contribute to a sense of place. It can illustrate editorial coverage of architectural detail, conservation, listed buildings, planning, regeneration, tourism, civic identity and changing uses of older properties. Facades, windows, entrances, masonry, decorative elements, signage and neighbouring structures provide documentary evidence of the building's appearance and setting. The dated view also gives the photograph archive value for future comparison if the property is restored, altered, rebranded, repurposed or redeveloped. Search themes include architecture, historic buildings, facades, interiors, conservation, listed buildings, planning, regeneration, heritage, streetscape and urban change. A precise location image is useful for comparing later restoration, alteration, redevelopment, rebranding or changes in the use of the building. The combination of a named subject, precise location and capture date gives the image particular value to editors who need a real, identifiable place rather than a generic illustrative photograph. The view is firmly rooted in a real location rather than a constructed studio setting.
Viscount Dr, Eskbank, near Dalkeith Midlothian, Scotland, UK, EH22 3FX
Description
Keywords: Mph,sign,Lymm,Warrington,Cheshire,England,UK,LA,WBC,borough,council,local,authority,PV,photo,voltaic,photovoltaic,photo-voltaic,cell,cells,power,powered,eco,friendly,ecofriendly,eco-friendly,sustainable,low,voltage,LED,light,lighting,modules,panels,panel,road,array,50mph,pole,mount,mounted,standalon,gotonysmith,Silicon,Boule,&,Solar,Cell,solarcell,Monocrystalline,tracker,tracking,track,tracks,standalone,device,devices,side,of,road,near-maximum,power,collection,near,maximum,route,signs,routesigns,signlights,ultra,low,power,lighting,ultralow,ultra-low,LUA,energy,storage,system,no,mains,cable,light,Simmonsigns,Limited,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy DDXT50 - . Solar powered street furniture road speed 50 mph sign , Lymm, Warrington, Cheshire, England, UK. The photograph was taken on 05 September 2013. This editorial stock image documents the subject as it appeared at that time, preserving a clear record of the place, its appearance and the everyday details surrounding it. Signage, lettering, logos, numbers or other visible information form an important part of the record, helping identify the subject and capture contemporary branding or public messaging. The scene is closely associated with Solar, powered, street, furniture, road, speed, sign, Mph, Lymm and Warrington, adding specific subject detail and useful search context without losing the documentary focus on the main subject. The photograph gives particular emphasis to signage, lettering, public information, branding or graphic communication in a real-world setting. It can support editorial features about wayfinding, advertising, local identity, warnings, public information, business branding, typography, street design and the visual language of towns and cities. Words, symbols, colours, materials and the physical setting of the sign provide useful documentary detail for researchers interested in how information was presented at the time. Because signs and branding are frequently replaced, repainted or removed, the image also has useful archive and social-history value. Search themes include signs, lettering, typography, advertising, wayfinding, public information, warnings, branding, street graphics and local identity. Because signs are frequently replaced or repainted, a clear dated photograph of wording or graphics can acquire strong archive and social-history value. The combination of a named subject, precise location and capture date gives the image particular value to editors who need a real, identifiable place rather than a generic illustrative photograph. The view is firmly rooted in a real location rather than a constructed studio setting.
Lymm, Warrington, Cheshire, England, UK
Description
Keywords: The CIS Tower building,headquarters,of,the,Cooperative,Insurance,Society,Manchester,England,UK,coop,co-op,Insure,insured,group,solar,panels,sustainable,facade,in,photovoltaic,panels,PV,green,office,block,gotonysmith,prestige,headquarters,showcase,Co-operative,movement,1962,steel,frame,podium,block,Grade,2,II,listed,building,architecture,Gordon,Tait,of,Burnett,Tait,&,Partners,discipline,and,consistency,towers,design,influenced,by,Skidmore,Owings,&,Merrills,Inland,Steel,Building,Chicago,architects,1958,Interiors,were,designed,by,Misha,Black,of,the,Design,Research,Unit,Solarcentury,permanent,green,energy,solution,Renovation,Within,six,months,of,construction,some,of,the,mosaic,tiles,on,the,service,tower,became,detached,owing,to,cement,failure,and,lack,of,expansion,joints,in,the,concrete.,Although,the,tower,was,granted,listed,building,status,in,1995,falling,tiles,were,an,ongoing,problem.,English,Heritage,had,to,be,consulted,alterations,could,change,the,buildings,appearance.,In,2004,CIS,consulted,Solarcentury,575.5kW,photovoltaic cells towerblock concrete,gotonysmith,Mancester,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy CEY8WK - The CIS Tower is an office skyscraper on Miller Street in Manchester, England. It was completed in 1962 and rises to 387 feet (118 m) in height.
The Grade II listed building, which houses the Co-operative Banking Group, is Manchester's second-tallest building and the tallest office building outside London. The tower remained as built for over 40 years until maintenance issues on the service tower required an extensive renovation which included covering its facade in photovoltaic panels.
The tower's design was influenced by Skidmore Owings & Merrill's Inland Steel Building in Chicago after a visit by the architects in 1958. Interiors were designed by Misha Black of the Design Research Unit.
Renovation
Within six months of construction some of the mosaic tiles on the service tower became detached owing to cement failure and lack of expansion joints in the concrete. Although the tower was granted listed building status in 1995, falling tiles were an ongoing problem. English Heritage had to be consulted as alterations could change the building's appearance.
In 2004 CIS consulted Solarcentury with a view to replacing the deteriorating mosaic with 575.5kW of blue building-integrated photovoltaic (PV) cells which would provide a permanent green energy solution, generating approximately 180,000 kWh of electricity per year. The work was completed by Arup and at that time was the largest commercial solar façade in Europe.
The PV cells made by Sharp Electronics began feeding electricity to the National Grid in November 2005. The project, which cost £5.5 million, was partly funded by the Northwest Regional Development Agency which granted £885,000 and the Energy Savings Trust at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) contributed £175,000.
The solar power project was chosen by the DTI as one of the 10 best green energy projects of 2005. Out of sight on the roof are 24 wind turbines generating 10% of the tower's electricity
CIS Tower, Miller Street, Manchester , Lancashire, England UK M60 0AL
