While the new Innovation Centre at the University of Essex is aiming to be an incubator of hot business ideas, the building itself won’t be overheating anytime soon thanks to our expert building services engineering team.
We were brought in to ensure the south-facing, glass-fronted property is not subject to increased temperatures, unless intended by the occupants.
As a result of this work, the new start-up business tenants installed onsite will still be able to keep their cool whilst coming up with their bright ideas.
Wesley Henderson, a Director and Building Services Engineer, explained: “Because of its position in relation to the sun, there was a possibility that trapped heat could remain in the building.
“We worked closely with the project managers to shape the design. We came up with cost-effective external solar shading panels to ensure those working in the building are able to enjoy a comfortable environment.”
The panels, known as brise soleil, enable the occupants to work in natural light without having to employ electrical cooling systems. Ingleton Wood also advised on the inclusion of a natural ventilation system.
The practice calculated that the measures used will ensure 32 megawatts of trapped solar heat, the annual equivalent of the average energy consumption of seven UK homes, will be deflected.
Additionally, 50²m of solar panels will generate around 8.5kW hours of electricity for the building each day, about 14 per cent of the average electrical needs of the building.
While the new Innovation Centre at the University of Essex is aiming to be an incubator of hot business ideas, the building itself won’t be overheating anytime soon thanks to our expert building services engineering team
Ingleton Wood has succeeded in reducing the potential for the glass-fronted Innovation Centre from becoming too hot