Project to develop carbon neutral student accommodation.
National Planning Policy supports reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and the move to a low carbon economy. Through a comprehensive sustainability strategy which integrates low energy systems with the building form and fabric, this development aims to provide high quality contemporary student accommodation within a low carbon, sustainable development.
Accommodation is organised around a landscaped courtyard opening off the main street frontage. All apartments are arranged around this space and have a generous aspect on to it. Through expansive full height windows, occupants have direct access to natural light, ventilation and vegetation.
Simple modular / offsite construction using responsibly sourced products, enables an efficient building envelope, with high levels of insulation and low air permeability.
Interior design and fit out adopts an economical palate of robust materials, to create simple contemporary student rooms.
Exposed concrete floors and ceilings are key elements in the low temperature heating system delivering heat from below ground (GSHP) boreholes and (supplemented by solar gain during daylight hours) heat is retained within the concrete thermal mass for distribution at night maintaining steady even temperatures.
The rooftop hosts an array of solar panels together with rainwater harvesting tanks which supply irrigation for the buildings extensive planted ‘living wall’ facades.
A series of stainless steel cables connect planting troughs at each floor level. Each trough provides growing medium fed by the irrigation system built into the building facade. As well as being a key element in in the building’s sustainability strategy, planting can also assist in acoustic dampening within the courtyard space.
