Architects And Quantity Surveyors
Stawley School Community Initiative
Building Features.
1. Super-insulation :
The walls, floor and roof are intended to be
super insulated well in excess of present
legislation.
Goal : to reduce C02 emissions and
significantly reduce running costs.
2. Thermal mass :
The central spine wall set below a south
facing rooflight is to be of cobb or rammed
earth to create thermal mass to soak up,
store and slow release passive solar heat.
Goal : to utilise free heat from the sun to
reduce major temperature fluctuations day
to night. Reduces energy demand. Makes
use of material that otherwise would need
expensive removal from site to landfill.
3. Passive solar heating :
Orientating the building to face south and
utilising large areas of glass in the south
elevation, whilst minimising windows in
the north elevation coupled by the use of
low-emissivity timber framed triple
glazing maximises heat gain useful in
winter. Sun shading in the form of awnings
reduces heat gain in summer.
Goal : Maximises use of free heat.
4. Energy supplied from renewable
resources :
Photovoltaic / thermal array set on south
facing roof used for power generation and
water heating.
Goal : Pollution free power generation.
Demonstration of sustainable technology at
community level
5. Living Roof :
The low pitched roofs either side of the
glazed corridor are to be 'green' ie planted
with sedum. This reduces water run off, is
environmentally friendly, helps tie the
building into the landscape and reduces its
visual impact. The construction adds to the
roofs thermal efficiency and protects the
roofs waterproof covering increasing its
life.
Goal : To produce a building at ease in its
setting.
6. Significant use of timber :
Quick build time for lower costs, use of
sustainably sourced, lower embodied
energy resource as major structural
element, and for external cladding, internal
finishing etc.
Goal : To create a pleasant external and
internal appearance using a sustainable
low energy material which is easily
reusable.
7. The use of high efficiency
appliances :
The building includes high efficiency
appliances throughout such as low flush
WC's and spray taps to minimise water
use. Rainwater is to be harvested for toilet
flushing. A high efficiency heating system,
use of solar water pre-heating and low
energy lighting minimises energy req.
Goal : Significantly reduces energy and
water use. Much lower bills, particularly
important for low running costs and life
time affordability of community buildings.
8. Waste :
During construction : The detailed design
is intended to reduce construction waste
During Use : Reed bed drainage system is
intended to cater for sewage waste. By
treating of sewage using proven natural
technology a problem is turned into a
teaching resource as part of a wild life
habitat to the south of the building.
A recycle centre for the local community is
incorporated to the North of the building to
encourage the philosophy of reuse for all
visitors to the building.
Goal : To reduce demand on local
infrastructure. To educate the community
on the benefits of recycling.
9. Design : The design allows for variable use of the accommodation by arrangement creating an extremely flexible building for true community use providing facilities missing from the locality or complimenting those existing. The building is intended to be a positive statement to the community by demonstrating in its construction and design the main standards of sustainable development. The benefits will be apparent to all in the low running costs of the building
