News Archive

 full list» 

Product Bulletin Archive

 full list» 

Media Information

OUT NOW!

education design & build is the exciting new magazine for businesses developing the schools and colleges of the future. Published in a bright, upbeat style, it provides the ideal showcase for the best ideas in building design and the most innovative use of materials and technology.

 visit edb website» 

News Archive - June 2009

Model for Brownfield Regeneration

ARCHITYPE has won an invited competition to design a new sustainable headquarters building and education centre for two environmental charities, Groundwork Hertfordshire and Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust.

Located in Bayfordbury, Hertfordshire, the new 1,150 sqm flagship building will provide office accommodation, conference facilities and spaces for hire, and education facilities for schools, young people, adults and businesses.

A new interpretation area for volunteers and educational visits will be designed to link seamlessly with the internal classroom facility and will incorporate demonstration food growing plots, a wildlife walk, greenhouse growing facilities and an outdoor classroom. Both organisations also aim to use the building and gardens as an educational resource showcasing brownfield regeneration and sustainable building techniques.

Architype is aiming for a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ and specific aspirations include the creation of as near a carbon neutral building as possible. Adopting Passivhaus principles, the building will use passive solar design, low electricity/water use, passive heating/cooling systems and provide natural daylighting and natural ventilation. Low energy and low environmental impact construction methods and materials will be employed, involving building materials from renewable sources, re-cycled materials, sustainably sourced timber, and the reuse/disposal of materials on site.

Super efficient energy and heating and ventilation/ cooling systems will be installed. The scheme will incorporate a mix of technologies to create a near "zero carbon" system including a biomass boiler, earth tubes and provision for future solar and wind installations. Furthermore, a fully integrated sustainable water management system will be designed to minimise consumption, re-use grey water, incorporate water harvesting, water meters and water butts.

 «