Educational Projects

Abbey View Primary Academy – High Wycombe

Client: Buckinghamshire County CouncilDB&P's Services: Building Services Consultant Engineers

Abbey View Primary Academy offers 420 primary school places and 52 pre-school places. Equipped with state-of-the-art classrooms designed to promote a relaxed and friendly environment in which young pupils can embrace the early stages of learning and self-development, the school is admirably supported by on-site catering amenities, multi-use games areas (MUGA) and first-class sport facilities.

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The school is set in the beautiful Buckinghamshire countryside with splendid views overlooking High Wycombe and the picturesque Wye Valley. Principal, Ms M Mirza, said “The outdoor environment will be key component of our vision and we are committed to ensuring that pupils use this to enrich their learning, through exploration and play.” The mechanical and electrical services have been designed in strict accordance with the latest edition of Building Bulletin 101; in particular the associated regulations and guidance notes for the use of natural ventilation to promote good indoor air quality and thermal comfort for schools. Of equal importance was the requirement to ensure that energy consumption and CO2 emissions were reduced to exceed the expectations of Part L2A of the Building Regulations.

Extent of Mechanical Services: Gas fired condensing boilers serving conventional radiators / underfloor heating. A combination of passive ventilation + supply and extract mechanical ventilation Domestic H&C water services Automatic Control Systems Extent of Electrical Services: Incoming utilities - electrical power / site transformer General lighting and emergency lighting Electrical small power Fire alarm installation Door entry, CCTV and security systems Photovoltaic arrays installed at roof level Wiring to mechanical services External landscape lighting  

Educational Projects

Faculty of History, Cambridge

Client: University Estate ManagementDB&P's Services: Building Services Consultant Engineers

The world-famous Faculty of History building in Cambridge was conceived by James Frazer Stirling in response to an architectural competition held in 1963; the award winning design and resultant construction is almost identical to the original plans. However, prior to works commencing, it was discovered that part of the building lay beyond the demise of land owned by the University; subsequently the building was turned 90 degrees to fit the actual footprint of the site. Unfortunately, the coincidental rotation of the building caused significant overheating problems due to solar gains through the fabric and the vast areas of south facing fenestration.

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John Summerson, writing in 1983, said it is “… a redoubtable, daunting monument; enigmatic, a crystal fort with a shiny brick rampart, something of a factory, something of a conservatory… The building as a whole strikes me with something very like awe.” A comment on Wikipedia adds, “… although the building is admired by students of architecture it is less regarded by those who have to work in it. A 1968 review noted that environmental controls might be difficult to operate by humanities-oriented occupants.” Expensive modifications were necessary to render it usable, and in 1984 the University seriously considered demolishing the building. The remodelling of Stirling’s attempt to create an environmentally sustainable structure was announced in 2004; the project was headed by John McAslan, who said “the main problem with the building is that it leaks, it’s too bright, too hot in summer and too cold in winter” Latterly, the University commissioned David Bedwell & Partners to undertake a comprehensive thermal analysis of the building, to produce accurate heat gain / heat loss calculations and to design a “once for all resolution to the overheating and underheating issues”. After much consultation and deliberation, it was agreed that the most viable solution to the problem would be the introduction of 4-pipe fan convectors replacing the aged / redundant (heating only) natural convectors. Bespoke fan convectors capable of providing simultaneous heating / cooling facilities were designed, with new electrical dado trunking sympathetically located at floor level. Albeit fully operational mock-up units were manufactured and installed in a “typical room” the scheme was unfortunately rejected by the Conservation Officer based on the Grade 2* listed status of the building. “Apparently it is better that a poorly functioning building should continue to be deficient, to the detriment of staff and graduates, rather than provide minor alterations to the aesthetics of the building” – Stephen Root.

Extent of Mechanical Services: IES thermal modelling – heat loss, heat gain calculations and energy consumption estimates LPHW heating and chilled water-cooling systems serving 4-pipe fan coil units Supply and extract ventilation systems Automatic Control Systems Extent of Electrical Services: Electrical power supplies to fan coil units Electrical small power Data / I T points  

Educational Projects

Phase I – Further Education Block, Thurrock

Client: Thurrock CouncilDB&P's Services: Building Services Consultant Engineers

The F E Block has been developed to complement Thurrock’s ambitious and forward-thinking development of schools specifically designed for the needs of children with behavioural and learning difficulties. Essentially, the F E Block provides two primary functions - one of Further Education for those pupils progressing from the Beacon Hill and Treetops Schools; the other providing respite facilities on a full-time basis affording the pupils and parents alike, time to recuperate.

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The education element of the F E Block comprises 7No.Classrooms, Group Study areas, IT Centre, Life Skill facilities, Resource/Library Centre, specialist Sensory/Physical facilities – administration and staff areas, etc. The respite element of the building comprises 8No. Bedsits, Catering facilities, Communal Rooms, Assisted Bathrooms, Shower/Changing Rooms and W C facilities, etc. Of key importance at the concept / design stage, was the need to ensure that the building should create a domestic environment, one in which the children can “feel at home” and not be estranged. In this respect, the mechanical and electrical installations have been integrated as sympathetically as possible whilst providing additional facilities such as hearing induction loops, aids for the visually impaired and maintaining the need for user protection in terms of “safe working surface temperatures”, etc.

Extent of Mechanical Services: Incoming utilities – gas and water LPHW Heating – Central gas fired condensing boiler plant serving low surface temperature radiators Domestic H&C water services – including electrosilver ionisation units facilitating the storage of hot water at a “safe” temperature of 45oC whilst eliminating the potential of legionellae Mechanical ventilation Building Energy Management System which enables remote monitoring of room temperatures, plant operation, maintenance requirements, energy consumption, etc Extent of Electrical Services: Incoming utilities – electrical power / site transformer General lighting and emergency lighting Electrical small power Door entry, CCTV and security systems Lightning protection Landscape lighting  

Educational Projects

MacIntyre Special Needs School, Wingrave

Client: McCann Homes Ltd and MacIntyre Care GroupDB&P's Services: Building Services Consultant Engineers

The MacIntyre School, Wingrave represents the continuation of the RIBA award partnership between David Bedwell and Partners and McCann Homes Ltd. The school is an independent special needs unit designed to accommodate 36 students who require 24hr / 7-day care and supervision. Many of the residents suffer from autism, severe learning disabilities, epilepsy, communication difficulties and can exhibit challenging behaviour if alarmed or confused. The school forms an important part of their lives, not only as an educational facility but also a home - in this respect it was deemed essential that the environment should promote a relaxed and family orientated atmosphere.

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Specialist areas include Soft Play / Sensory Rooms, Music Rooms and a Multi-Sensory Hydrotherapy Pool – all of which encourage social interaction and provide an ideal platform from which the pupils can benefit and learn with enthusiasm. The building was the subject of a detailed thermal modelling exercise – in particular this was required to ensure stable thermal conditions, with higher than average room temperatures (due to the immobility of  some of the residence), whilst guaranteeing optimum operational efficiency. As a consequence of this exercise the orientation of the building was adjusted, thermal insulation levels substantially increased and windows designed to optimise natural daylight, whilst minimising such associated heat losses. The majority of the rooms are heated via zoned LPHW underfloor heating systems, whilst high occupancy areas such as Multi-Function Halls are heated using radiant ceiling panels - subsequently thermal gradients in the associated areas are reduced whilst maximising user comfort levels.

Extent of Mechanical Services: LPHW Heating – Central gas fired condensing boiler plant, with a combination of underfloor heating and radiant ceiling panels Domestic H&C water services – including HWS solar panels Mechanical / “Passive” ventilation systems and DX comfort cooling to high occupancy areas Automatic control systems. Extent of Electrical Services: General lighting and emergency lighting Electrical small power Door entry, CCTV and security systems Lightning protection Landscape lighting.

Educational Projects

Performing Arts Centre – Soham Village College

Client: Soham Village CollegeDB&P's Services: Building Services Consultant Engineers

Soham Village College, founded in the late 1830’s, strives to promote an environment in which students and staff alike are provided with every opportunity for self improvement. The College’s motto “excellence with care in all that we do” is central to establishing high expectations in the student’s academic, behavioural and creative achievements. This fundamental principle remains at the centre of the College’s plans for development and growth, with investment carefully controlled to ensure that only the best quality buildings and resources are provided.

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The Performing Arts Centre represents the latest in the College’s investments – with the building designed to provide excellent teaching facilities in the most energy efficient manner. In this respect the thermal properties of the building have been designed to significantly exceed current Building Regulation requirements thus reducing “passive” energy consumption. The Main Hall is ventilated via a mixture of “forced” fresh air with exhaust air being discharged through a series of high-level pressure relief louvres / windows. The volume of fresh air is automatically controlled by monitoring air quality (CO2 levels) and the actual room temperature. The controls modulate the quantity of filtered / heated incoming air, ensuring that only minimal amounts of treated air are provided to the Hall relative to real time occupation densities; in this respect the associated energy consumption levels are significantly reduced.

Extent of Mechanical Services: Incoming utilities – Gas and water supplies LPHW Heating – underfloor heating and LST radiators Domestic H&C water services Mixed mode supply and extract ventilation Music Rooms Acoustics Automatic Control Systems Extent of Electrical Services: Incoming utilities – electrical power supply General lighting and emergency lighting Electrical small power Door entry, CCTV and security systems Fire alarm systems Lightning protection Landscape lighting  

Educational Projects

Soulsby Central Server Facility, Cambridge

Client: University Estate ManagementDB&P's Services: Building Services Consultant Engineers

The Soulsby Central Servers provide essential back-up storage facilities for all academic, administrative, historical data generated by Cambridge University and its multi-international partners. The centre has been designed to deliver industry-leading uptime /download time with state-of-the-art security and reliability 24 hrs per day,365 days of the year. Interconnection includes: a comprehensive inventory of data racks operating over a range of ODF/DDF bandwidths, diverse fibre routing via multiple carriers, and a network of internal truncated cables – all with scalable architecture, redundant core switches and routers to facilitate future expansion.

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Site security is fully manned with phased procedures for fully automated safety back-up in the event of a breach in defence. A comprehensive range of internal / external CCTV cameras provide live feedback to high definition colour monitors and recording facilities. Electrical power to the site is via dual intendant power feeds, backed up by a battery uninterrupted power supply which is automatically deployed in the event of a mains failure. Additional / long periods of interruption to the electrical power supply are managed by a portable 1MVA generator. Close control / stable environmental room conditions are maintained by dedicated DX reverse cycle airsource heat pump units, arranged to create “corridors” of heat rejection behind the data racks, supplemented by an upward-flow of cold air discharging from the raised floor in front of the data racks through which colth is drawn over the respective servers. The HVAC system, including dedicated supply AHUs providing a degree of filtered fresh air, are designed on a redundancy of N + 1.

Extent of Mechanical Services: Close control DX reverse cycle air source heat-pump units Supply / extract ventilation systems – fully integrated into the fire suppression system A fully automated “Inergen” fire suppression system Automatic Control Systems Extent of Electrical Services: Incoming utilities – electrical power / site transformer General lighting and emergency lighting Electrical small power Specialist site security system UPS battery back-up UPS / diesel generators Door entry, CCTV and security systems Lightning protection  

Education

Treetops School - Thurrock

Client: Thurrock CouncilDB&P's Services: Building Services Consultant Engineers

Treetops School represents the first phase of Thurrock's plans to establish a centre of excellence, creating an environment in which the combination of dedicated staff and the provision of modern facilities significantly improve the educational opportunities for children with learning difficulties. The school comprises 15No. specialist Classrooms arranged around the perimeter of the building. Each Classroom has a floor area circa 60m2 in which 10No. pupils, ably assisted by their careers, interact with enthusiasm for the benefit of all concerned. 

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The school makes provision for a number of specialist rooms; these are arranged around an internal courtyard and include Autism Rooms, Design and Food Technology, Library, IT Centre, Medical Rooms, Music Rooms, Science Rooms, Soft Play/Sensory Rooms, etc. Additionally, the school includes a Children's Centre, Nursery, Multi Purpose Hall and general administration facilities. The underfloor heating systems are zoned to accord with varying occupation periods within the building, with the primary flow temperature limited to a maximum 43oC thus eliminating the need for local pumping stations and multi- temperature mixing valves. Combined with a ∆t of 20oC across the boilers, this significantly reduces pipe sizes, system operating pressures and energy consumption. Natural ventilation is provided to the Classrooms and Multi-Purpose Hall by varying means of passive ventilation. In principle, stale warm air is discharged via high level louvres and / or turrets with fresh air being induced through low level air inlets; the flow of air operates under negative pressure created by the "stack effect" within the building. The amount of incoming air is automatically controlled by monitoring air quality (CO2 levels) and the actual room temperature – the controls subsequently modulate the incoming and exhaust louvers as deemed appropriate.

Extent of Mechanical Services: Incoming utilities – gas and water LPHW Heating – Central gas fired condensing boiler plant serving underfloor heating throughout the building Domestic H&C water services – including electro-silver ion-units facilitating the storage of hot water at a "safe" temperature of 45oC Mixed mode and local extract ventilation Building Energy Management System which enables remote monitoring of room temperatures, plant operation, maintenance requirements, energy consumption, etc Extent of Electrical Services: Incoming utilities – electrical power / site transformer General lighting and emergency lighting Electrical small power Door entry, CCTV and security systems Lightning protection Landscape lighting

Education

Science Block, Art & Drama Block - Comberton Village College

Client: Cambridge County Council DB&P's Services: Building Services Consultant Engineers

Comberton Village College, established 1960, strives to satisfy the educational needs for the local community to the highest possible standards. This fundamental principle remains at the centre of the College's plans for development and growth, with investment carefully controlled to ensure that only the best quality buildings and resources are provided. The Science Block, Art and Drama Block represent the latest in the College's investments – with the buildings deigned to provide excellent teaching facilities in the most energy efficient manner.

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In this respect the thermal properties of the building significantly exceed current Building Regulation requirements thus reducing "passive" energy consumption. The entire fabric heating requirements of the building are satisfied via 2No. ground source heat pump units, the units are linked to serve underfloor heating systems which are ideally suited to the operating flow temperature of 45oC. Energy to the ground source heat pumps is derived via a series of 60No. vertical "push" type bore holes each comprising 40mm dia. HDPE tube buried to a depth of 25m – the resultant energy thus extruded being in the region of 80kW. Natural / passive ventilation is provided to all Classrooms - in principle stale warm air is discharged via high level turrets with fresh air being induced through low level air inlets; the flow of air operates under negative pressure created by the "stack effect" within the building. The amount of incoming air is automatically controlled by monitoring air quality (CO2 levels) and the actual room temperature – the controls subsequently modulate the incoming and exhaust louvers as deemed appropriate. By utilizing varying types of passive and renewable energy, it is envisaged that the pupils will appreciate and benefit from the 1st hand principles of such renewable technologies.

Extent of Mechanical Services: Incoming utilities – Oil and water supplies LPHW Heating – Ground source heat pump unit, supplemented with oil fired condensing boiler plant which provides primary heat to the ventilation systems. Domestic H&C water services Mixed mode and local extract ventilation Automatic Control Systems Extent of Electrical Services: Incoming utilities – electrical power supply General lighting and emergency lighting Electrical small power Door entry, CCTV and security systems Lightning protection Landscape lighting

Education

The Vines Primary School, Cambourne

Client: Cambridge County Council DB&P's Services: Building Services Consultant Engineers

"The Vines", a purpose built inter-church primary school located in the new town of Cambourne, Cambridgeshire. The school which was essentially constructed in 3 phases, also makes provision for a Community Hall and Nursery Unit. The school admirably serves the growing local community and provides state-of-the-art educational facilities for 420 pupils.

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The aims of the school are linked to the Government's "Every Child Matters" agenda, with an additional spiritual dimension to underline the church's foundation. The inviting and relaxed atmosphere of the school, with much credit given to the open design aspect of the buildings, greatly assists to support this ethos. Aspects of the Architectural design are in keeping with the sites historical past when it was originally used as an airfield during the 2nd World War; the aerofoil / wing shape roofs to each Classroom provide a unique and stylish statement. Visual "renewable" elements of the mechanical and electrical services design have been incorporated as an educational tool. Whilst the HWS solar panels, passive-ventilation systems and wind turbine, etc - all contribute in their own right to reduce CO2 emissions and overall energy consumption within the buildings; the design team felt it essential that the pupils should be able to relate with and understand at 1st hand the principles behind renewables technology.

Extent of Mechanical Services: Incoming utilities – gas and water LPHW Heating – Central gas fired condensing boiler plant, with a combination of trench heating and LST radiators Domestic H&C water services – including HWS solar panels Mixed mode and local extract ventilation Automatic Control Systems Extent of Electrical Services: Incoming utilities – electrical power / site transformer; with supplementary power via the wind turbine General lighting and emergency lighting Electrical small power Door entry, CCTV and security systems Lightning protection Landscape lighting