NORTH RANGE OF BUILDINGS
CAMBRIDGE
The North Range of Buildings at the New Museum Site, University of Cambridge consists of three buildings, made up of new build and restoration of existing listed buildings.
This £7.5m design and build project saw the majority of existing MEP systems within the retained areas of the site being replaced, with new MEP installations at the Student Services Centre and Examination Halls. In addition, the new site will provided a 580 space cycle park in the basement to maximise the use of the central city space.
The focus for the North Range Buildings project is to implement energy efficiency measures which positively contribute to the University of Cambridge’s carbon reduction targets, whilst enhancing the quality of the refurbished spaces through integration of new ventilation, acoustic and lighting strategies.
CAVENDISH PLANT ROOM
CAVENDISH PLANT ROOM
With a focus on a 20% minimum carbon reduction across the site, it was designed to have a number of energy efficient measures and site wide energy generation systems which include natural ventilation, photovoltaic systems and centralised all-air conditioning by way of example.
To meet one of the key stakeholder requirements of providing a flexible lighting system, that not only met energy efficiency requirements but also had controls that offer users the ability to adjust their learning environment to suit individual needs. The solution included desk lamps, floor standing lamps and dimmers, areas with these controls provide a completely personalised approach to lighting.
The challenges that arise when replacing MEP systems on a Grade II listed building requires careful planning and consideration, including using BIM as a key deliverable for the project.
The existing MEP systems were replaced. Passive ventilation was used throughout, maximising the opportunities for natural ventilation (with the exception of the exam halls and seminar spaces due to changing occupancy levels). Thermal mass is exposed in the main floor plates and occupant control is used as much as possible. Upgrading the existing basements provided new plant areas, which is designed to link to an energy centre serving the whole of the site delivered as part of the masterplan.
The building services design maximises the use of passive design features, in conjunction with highly energy efficient plant to reduce the consumption of non-renewable resources.
A single BIM model was created and used to develop integrated technical solutions, considering both the historical aesthetic and user needs. Replication of solutions across both refurbished and new build areas resulted in maximised economies of scale, across a series of complicated space types.
CAVENDISH PLANT ROOM
EXAM HALL VENT PLANT ROOM
CAVENDISH PLANT ROOM
EXAM HALL VENT PLANT ROOM
IMAGE COURTESY OF BENNETTS ASSOCITES
IMAGE COURTESY OF BENNETTS ASSOCITES
IMAGE COURTESY OF BENNETTS ASSOCITES
