University Of Bradford STEM building both Passivhaus & Outstanding
STEM building, University of Bradford
The £1.5 milliion Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) building provides an inspirational learning space with high quality laboratory facilities. The project adopts a highly insulated fabric-first airtight approach, along with ‘thermal bridge free' timber frame construction and mechanical heat recovery systems.
Completed in April 2013, the building in on target to acheive BREEAM Outstanding, AECB Silver Standard (due in April 2014) and has acheived Passivhaus accreditation, awarded January 2014 by WARM. The new addition complements the University's eco-friendly student accommodation to provide a highly sustainable learning environment within the campus.
The laboratory houses approximately 65 pupils and staff, and acts as a training space for school teachers across all age ranges, equipping them with the skills to inspire the next generation of scientists back in their own classrooms.
The main contractor worked closely with air testing specialists STROMA and a specially employed Passivhaus assessor to achieve the U values targets. GB Group executive chairman, Martin Smout stated that achieving Passivhaus certification has provided a tremendous boost for everyone involved in the design and construction process proving that internal quality and management processes are correctly aligned with high standards such as Passivhaus.
Watson Batty Architects’ Stephen Jones, Lead Project Architect claims ‘We have demonstrated our commitment to sustainable design by putting our theories into practice. Our environmental statement is not just well meant words but the practical application of our understanding of systems which promote social, economic and built sustainable solutions.’
Laboratory, STEM, University of Bradford.
Key details:
Predicted Thermal Energy demand (≤15kWh/m2.yr) 15 kWh/m²/yr
Predicted Thermal Energy load (≤10W/m2) 11 W/m²
Predicted Primary E demand (≤120kWh/m2.yr) 83 kWh/m²/yr
Actual n50 ACH@50pascals (≤0.6ach@50pascals) 0.6 ACH @ 50Pa
U-Values
Wall: Rain screen cladding, 205mm layered phenolic insulation, 160mm Structural Pre Engineered Timber Panels (filled with 70mm Phenolic Insulation) |
0.13 (W/m2/k) |
Roof: Single ply roof system, 120mm phenolic insulation, ply deck, Metal web joists. |
0.11 (W/m2/k) |
Floor: 60mm Screed, 40mm Insulation, 150mm Concrete slab and 225mm phenolic rigid insulation |
0.14 (W/m2/k) |
STEM building, University of Bradford
Key Team
Client: University of Bradford
Main Contractor: GB Building Solutions
Architect : Watson Batty Architects Ltd.
Consultants (M&E, Environmental) Couch Perry Wilkes, Nottingham
Structural Engineer: WSP UK
BREEAM / Passivhaus Advisor: GWP
Further information: