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Suffolk brewer Adnams has opened its £14m solar powered brewery on the outskirts of Reydon in Southwold.

International architect Aukett Fitzroy Robinson and contract manager Haymills were appointed to design and construct the building that promises to keep beer cool without harming the environment.

Specialist roof contractor S&G Roofing was appointed to help build the largest green roof in the UK. Covered in a plant called Sedum, it not only helps regulate the internal temperature but stores rainwater that is used to supply the site. It also has solar panels to provide up to 80% of the site’s hot water.

Walls of the 8,000 sq m building have been built of blocks made of lime to keep the building cool without the need for air conditioning, hemp and chalk blocks. Specially produced by Limetec, the 20kg chalk blocks require less energy to product than conventional concrete, and could be made of local earth or chalk.

The building was constructed over a disused gravel pit and was designed to blend into the landscape from a distance.

A spokesman from Adnams admitted that it cost approximately 15% more to build than the usual metal structure, but lower running costs will in time justify the price.