Objective
To demonstrate a low energy building which although incorporating unusual planning techniques, using traditional methods of building construction, shows no appreciable extras in cost with comparable building types.
To monitor the performance of the building and the energy savings.
To demonstrate this publicity through the use of the building as one of the permanent display projects at the Centre for Alternative Technology.
To set new standards in passive solar design.
The building consists of a lightweight timber framed structure for the large teaching spaces on the upper floor supported by the monolithic blockwork cross wall system which encloses the study bedrooms and smaller spaces on the ground floor. This solid internal core is wrapped by buffer spaces which are timber framed. The upper floor which is the timber framed structure, is a fast response system to occupancy and will heat up first during the day, due to the number of pupils using the rooms, the initial benefit from direct solar gain and pre-heated warm air entry from the south facing conservatory corridor in front of the study bedrooms.
The ground floor construction which has the greater mass, benefits from gain during the day and is warm for evening use when the study bedrooms will be occupied.
The basis of the passive solar design concentrates on extensive thermal buffering for indirect gain and ventilation pre-heat. The buffer spaces are functional areas providing circulationareas and therefore do not represent a solar add-cost and may provide a cost reduction. Apart from reducing infiltration losses, the buffer zones provide pre-heated ventilation air to all "dry" zones of the building by re-circulation vents. Other "wet" zones, the kitchen.
Programme(s)
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
DEM - Demonstration contractsCoordinator
N7 8DB London
United Kingdom