SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS


design concern and has been addressed accordingly. The blow-down from the steam boiler system – a central element of the UKCMRI function – has been pinpointed as the greatest consumer of water in the building. To ensure that this system can operate whilst keeping within the strict sustainability principles of the building design, reverse osmosis technology has been developed by Arup which will provide water treatment for the entire facility and allow for significant reductions in overall water consumption. Adams Kara Taylor (AKT), the structural and civil engineers on the project, have designed low flow technologies to facilitate the harvesting of rainwater. With respect to water conservation, HOK has design water efficient landscaping and specified water efficient fittings throughout the building. Combined with the other low energy and renewable technologies planned for the build, these elements will pay a large contribution towards the UKCMRI’s carbon emission reduction strategy.


The emphasis on sustainable design is


not however, solely confined to the internal structure of the building. HOK have collaborated with a specialist ecology team to ensure that the key principles of the design brief are translated externally as well. Using these recommendations, HOK have specified brown roofs to appropriate areas of the building which will attract and provide habitats for local wildlife and have allocated dedicated space for compostable food waste.


and exported from the site is kept to a realistic minimum. Additionally, a Site Waste Management Plan will be developed to support the principles of the Waste and Resources Action Programme – WRAP – and the requirements of the Considerate Constructor Scheme. The complexity and ambition of the targets set out by UKCMRI are clear. Not only must the project provide a facility that is a world-leader in research capabilities, but it must also actively engage the local community, developing public understanding of and interest in science. All this must be achieved whilst adhering to the strong sustainability principles that underpin the entire development. Such an overarching sustainability vision can only be achieved through a holistic approach embedding all key sustainable principles, balancing social, economic and environmental factors and


ELP SET A NEW STANDARD IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF UKCMRI


systems, high efficiency lighting, an onsite CHP plant – which will meet


approximately 20% of the electrical base load and close to 100% of the heating load – and the installation of photovoltaics on the south facing roof of the building to ensure optimal function. The latter is a prime example of the scale of green technology being employed in the development and a great opportunity to showcase renewable technology to the local community. Furthermore, the design of UKCMRI has been future proofed, allowing for the potential connection to any future Euston Road district heating system. It is estimated that these elements combined will save UKCMRI around 14,800 tonnes of CO2


each year – a


reduction of approximately 40% of the total building load. Water conservation is also a key


Once fully operational, UKCMRI will promote the use of public transport for both regular building users and visitors. There will be no parking provision on site, except for disabled users, and travel information detailing the local travel options available will be located around the site. Storage for up to 200 bicycles will be provided, as will the necessary showering and changing facilities, to ensure cycling is an attractive and feasible alternative to public transport. Although the UKCMRI build is not scheduled for completion until April 2015, the sustainability focus of the project will remain a key concern throughout the construction process. Materials and products will be sourced from sustainably managed supply chains and strict guidelines have been put in place to ensure the amount of waste generated


employing technically innovative sustainable design solutions which are financially feasible over the lifecycle of the building. What’s more, the very nature of the building’s end purpose as a state-of- the-art innovative research centre, demands that the designs enable versatility and the ability to adapt quickly to changes in research methodologies, scientific processes, equipment and staffing.


This is no easy task and yet the design by HOK and PLP has embraced this challenge and created a functional space that will showcase the depth of British science and research talent, boost the redevelopment of the local area and stand as an example of modern day sustainable design for years to come. www.ukcmri.ac.uk


SUSTAINABLE FM | DECEMBER 2010/JANUARY 2011 |63


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