Group S: Ellie Booker, Cheok Hei Ng, Aadam Hussian, Andreas Giakoumoglou
The site, previously occupied by Inland Revenue, consists of seven blocks arranged along a central, curved boulevard, framing views of the surrounding context.
In 2021, the site was purchased by the University of Nottingham, with the aim of transforming Castle Meadows into a new Business School and Digital innovation hub for students. In line with global, national, and local sustainability targets, the aim is to retrofit and upgrade the existing building (Fitzroy House) to meet current and future demands, holding user comfort and sustainability at the forefront of our concerns.
A beacon of innovation and sustainability, it is important to continue the building’s legacy through creative and innovative building strategy.
Building Envelope Intervention
In summary, our proposed intervention requires adding insulation onto the internal face of the external wall. Fire Blocks will be added at both the top and bottom to mitigate any risk of spreading between levels. The intervention is modest and respectful of the building.
Proposed Ventilation Strategy for Ground and First Floor
In summary, our ventilation system is split into two parts. A bay strategy for both Ground and First Floor and a remodeled roof for the Second Floor.
Ground and First: Remodeled Windows comprised of a recycled aluminium frame, recycled triple glazed window, and integrated, decentralized ventilation system - provided by Schuco- which offers heat recovery, conditioning, and filtration. System has heat distribution level of 80% to optimise energy consumption, the room climate, and the air quality Each bay can be programmed to suit the desired internal condition of a certain space.
Each bay will have this system - It will work in conjunction with an upgraded M&E System that is currently present. These strategies, in conjunction with passive ventilation form a robust strategy.
The proposed strategy leverages MVHR components to efficiently harness outdoor air, recover its heat, and customise ventilation for the unique floorplate of the office. This approach ensures every workspace corner enjoys optimal air quality and temperature, promoting a healthier and more productive environment.
The system can work together to bring the ventilation strategy of the floorplates to operate in unison. When in operation, the system has the flexibility to adhere to occupancy patterns, seeing the floorplate be divided into ventilation zones.
The strategy for a winter schematic would be to fully utilise the heat recovery of the proposed MVHR by primarily circulating air through the floor vent system. For the SF, this would mean that the proposed cowl rooflights remain closed.
The strategy for a summer schematic would be to utilise a bypass mode on the MVHR unit to allow maximum cool air to enter the floorplates. For the SF, the strategy would be to utilise the summer bypass on the MVHR units but to also allow warm air to vent through the proposed cowl roof lights.
The strategy for the night purge schematic would be to utilise a bypass mode on the MVHR units, open the proposed vents on the glazing bays and have cowl roof lights open. This will ensure that cool air circulates within the floorplates clearing out hot air.