Willmott Dixon Interiors are pleased to announce that our University of Brighton, Cockcroft Building project has been shortlisted in the Sustainable Project of the Year category of the 2016 Construction News Awards, making the shortlist from among a record number of entrants.
This category gives recognition to projects that have achieved sustainable goals and is an exemplar for best practice in sustainability or low carbon construction.
The refurbishment of the Cockcroft building, on behalf of the University of Brighton, was the UK’s largest university retrofit project of its kind. Spanning eleven storeys (15,000m3) it epitomised the notion of sustainable retrofit – ‘taking something old and making something new’.
The 2.5 year programme comprised of four phases. We were given access to two floors of the building at a time, while lectures, teaching and meetings for the 950 users of the building continued around us. Sensitivity to noise, dust and vibration were crucial to maintaining programme and a satisfied client. We achieved the Considerate Constructors Scheme’s 2015 ‘Gold’ Award for exemplar performance against their Code of Practice with consistent scoring of 45/50.
We rejuvenated the 1960s base build to exemplar standards: efficient lighting design, modern-day mechanical, electrical and plumbing installations, new windows, the introduction of insulation, modern internal fixtures and fittings, and an aqua thermal energy store (ATES – ground source heat pump).
Combined, these modernisations will reduce energy demand by 57% (59% CO2e reduction), saving the client ~£82k annually.
All the existing windows were replaced, with new insulation and finishes installed on the existing roofs. A timber decking system created new terraces on the 8th floor, enhanced by the installation of new balustrades together with a brise soleil.
WDI worked with Architects, Fraser Brown MacKenna who’s innovative approach to integrating architectural, building services and structural design “unlocked the environmental potential of this 10,000m2 building and enhanced this with the latest technology including an aquifer thermal energy store, realising a 57% reducting on energy demand, 59% reduction on CO2 emissions and fuel savings of £82,000 each year”
Some of the Sustainable achievements included:
- Designed and built to BREEAM standards
- The building is now 100% LED throughout, with additional daylight dimming functionality and presence detection
- All rooms feature end-user controls for fan-coil operation and are equipped with CO2 sensors to ensure appropriate ventilation
- Achieved the Considerate Constructors Scheme’s 2015 ‘Gold’ Award
- The project diverted 98% of waste from landfill and generated 7.6m3/£100k of construction waste against a target of 8.5m3/£100k
- Avoided waste by reusing/donating surplus materials to the Brighton University Waste House initiative
- Donated 18 tonnes of timber waste to the National Communities Wood Recycling Project
The winners will be announced on 14 July 2016 at a glamorous ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London, where over 1,300 of the industry’s elite will join together for a night of entertainment, celebration and networking.
The full list of finalists and more information can be found at here.