CLIMATE NEUTRALITY

In order to achieve climate neutrality in 30 years project focuses on using low embodied energy materials, due to this reason timber was chosen as the main material for the buildings.  

The structure was designed to be as compact as possible, maximizing efficiency and minimizing the use of materials. Beams were dimensioned based on their span in stead of using same beams everywhere for simplicity. 

 

During the design process passive energy saving options are utilized in the form of minimized losses through transmission and infiltration. For this the curtain wall system uses argon filled triple glazing with the U value of 0.8 W/m^2K which has twice the thermal resistance of regular double glazing and is comparable to 80mm concrete wall. 

The redesigned West Edge façade solves the issue of thermal bridges and brings the U value to 0.23 W/m^2K which is above average transmittance value. 

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Infiltration is controlled with the use of airtight membrane on the warm side of the wall. 

Natural daylight is maximized with at least 24% of all façades being glazed. The room depth is also limited to under 8m to maximize the daylight in the rooms. 

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In order to avoid unwanted glare and solar heat gain shading system was integrate in the architectural design of the façade. 

Acoustic needs are maintained with the soundproof thermal insulation in the floors, ceiling panels and single leaf partition walls.  

Redesigned microlab and Student EDGE both incorporate large atriums in the design which, due to the heat stack effect, can be used for natural ventilation during summer months. 

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Mechanical ventilation has been developed for every building. For the sake of minimizing the Embodied Energy of the installations heating and ventilation is combined into a single unit, outside fresh air is preheated using the heat delivered from ATES using heat pump and is later distributed around the building.