Classroom Environment:Layout 1 01/07/2009 16:15 Page 66
the classroom environment
1,300decC. Nanogel aerogel is a
remarkable material because it can
significantly reduce the thermal
disconnect associated with fenestration,
translucent cladding and rooflighting
making it possible to manufacture
insulating energy-saving daylighting
systems with the highest performance.
Nanogel aerogel is used within many
different types of systems, such as
Xtralite rooflights, Pilkington’s Profilit
Diffused daylighting by Kalwall at Brislington Enterprise College in Bristol.
translucent linear channel glass system
and Kalwall. When Nanogel is introduced
inside the panels of Kalwall translucent high insulating performance without
cladding or roofing, for example, the compromising aesthetics.
combination achieves the extraordinary Kalwall allows natural daylight to be
www.nanogel.com
low U value of 0.28 W.m2K. This is as diffused as 'museum quality' light without
energy efficient as a solid wall, which means glare, shadows or hotspots, removing the
www.pilkington.com
that schools can have daylighting in need for blinds and curtains. Because it
surfaces that would otherwise be opaque. resists solar gain, air-conditioning costs
Highcrest Community School in can be reduced without the need for
www.stoakes.co.uk
Bucks, designed by Jacobs UK external shading devices and, with increased
(Architecture), was among the first to natural daylight, energy-consuming
www.xtralite.co.uk
embrace this new technology, achieving artificial lighting is also reduced.
Optimising room temperatures
Alongside natural ventilation and temperature modification, air conditioning is a key
consideration for schools and colleges. Developments in air conditioning technology –
especially with variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems – mean that mechanical heating
and cooling are highly efficient in energy terms, and economically feasible too, says
JONATHAN PETTITT.
G
UIDELINES for school design – as could mean a lack of fresh air in winter,
seen in many recently completed while in summer, open windows can bring
educational buildings – make wind, rain, pollutants, traffic noise and
maximum use of natural resources for other distractions such as outdoor
light and ventilation wherever possible. physical education activities. Problems
Careful positioning of windows can are compounded by the increased use of
provide light without glare, warmth in
winter and coolness in summer. Windows
and other vents can utilise natural
the increased use
convection currents, providing the
necessary flows of fresh air to maintain
of computers and
student alertness in all weathers. The
other electronic aids
emphasis on natural light and air cuts
CO2 emissions, reduces the institutions’
may necessitate the
energy costs and raises environmental
awareness among students. use of blinds to reduce
However, despite Government plans to
rebuild much of the educational estate,
light entering a
many existing schools – well designed in
their day – continue to fall short of
learning space
today’s ideals, so teachers and pupils
could face many more years of uneven computers and other electronic aids
winter heating from radiators, and which may necessitate the use of blinds
summer cooling through open windows. to reduce light entering a learning space.
Even the passive heating and ventilating A VRF air conditioning system offers an
systems designed for new schools may efficient solution. A typical system
have their shortcomings. consists of an outdoor compressor unit
linked by a pair of refrigerant pipes to a
Pollutants and noise number of indoor units which may be
The drawbacks of inadequate systems ceiling, wall or floor-mounted.4
66 edbmagazine.co.uk
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