Buildings Iconic
We worked very closely with
the university to understand the
usage and occupancy patterns
of the various spaces and to set
permissible peak temperatures
opted for a displacement ventilation system in teaching
spaces, using the floor space as a supply air plenum
and introducing the supply air through swirl diffusers
at 19°C and low velocity to avoid draughts. In lecture
theatres the diffusers are located under the seating.
“Air is extracted at high level and heat is recovered
at the air handling units, using a number of energy-
saving measures including a thermal wheel. There will
be some mechanical cooling in areas with high IT usage
and in the sound studios. Ceiling heights were kept to an
optimum level for cost reasons, which prevented the use
of chilled beams so, where necessary, we will be cooling
supply air from the air handling units supplying these
areas.”
Assessing usage
To further optimise the performance of the ventilation
system, any spaces with variable occupancy will also be
fitted with carbon dioxide sensors to provide demand
controlled ventilation. In addition, the design team
developed an understanding of the projected use of the
various spaces so they could carry out more fine tuning.
“We worked very closely with the university to
understand the usage and occupancy patterns of the
various spaces, and to set permissible peak temperatures
based on this information,” says mechanical engineer
Sarah Gealy.
“This enabled us to raise set point temperatures in
areas where temperature wasn’t critical and in teaching
> balance of natural daylight and solar heat gains, using Above, the stunning interior spaces that will not be in use during the summer months.
a novel roof design combined with solar-controlled
of the campus. Below, project
In other areas, such as lecture theatres, temperature was
glazing and brise soleil.
manager Kevin Searle and
considered critical and strict limitations were placed on
mechanical engineer Sarah
The integrated design approach led to extensive
Gealy
peak temperatures.”
glazing that takes advantage of the desirable effects Heating will be provided by gas-fired condensing boilers
of solar gain from early morning sun while, at the serving a combination of trench heating and low-level
other end of the scale, selecting appropriate shading radiators. Using flow and return temperatures of 65°C
techniques for reducing solar overheating during peak and 45°C respectively, this will provide good condensing
summertime conditions. and optimise the efficiency of the heating plant.
It was clear to the designers from the computer Due to the architects’ approach, the internal spaces
modelling that a simple low-energy ventilation system will enjoy the benefits of high levels of natural daylight
would be one of the key elements in achieving the and the lighting design takes full advantage of this.
required energy performance, while helping to reduce Lighting in teaching spaces uses dimmable T5 linear
potential maintenance cost – a key consideration for the fluorescent light sources, which are controlled in
university’s estates team. However, the proximity relation to daylight levels and occupancy to
of a main road, with recorded noise levels of up minimise electricity consumption. Where
to 80dBA, obviated the use of natural ventilation decorative lighting effects are required, light
as sound levels in many teaching spaces were emitting diodes (LEDs) have been used to
predicted to reach around 50dBA during the provide accent lighting, again with minimum
day with open windows. energy consumption.
Project manager Kevin Searle says: “Budgetary constraints meant that we
“Because of these influences we’ve had to give very careful thought to the >
48 CIBSE Journal February 2009 www.cibsejournal.com
CIBSEfeb09pp46-50 newport•.indd 48 5/2/09 14:22:25
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