The project consists of six new buildings inclusive of a science building for this specialist science school, and the refurbishment of the existing swimming pool and theatre/auditorium blocks.
Mott MacDonald worked with architects AHMM and contractors Lend Lease, and was responsible for the building services, specialist acoustics, security and sustainability advice, which includes detailed environmental modelling and BREEAM.
The project won the prestigious RIBA Stirling Architecture prize in 2015. As well as providing mechanical and electrical engineering services, we also developed advanced environmental control solutions to achieve ambitious energy and carbon performance targets set by the school. The strategy combines elements of passive cooling and daylight control, hybrid ventilation and active renewable systems in form of bio-mass derived district network and solar water heating, seamlessly integrating elegant engineering solutions with the architect’s vision.
Design of building envelope has been optimised to balance the required daylight levels, whilst ensuring control of solar heat gains. The placement of the solar control glazing on the inside of the deep precast façade panels was designed to aid shading. Exposed concrete structure was utilised to enhance passive cooling performance of the building and prevent overheating. The school has already achieved a BREEAM rating of Very Good for the new build elements and refurbishments.