Buro Happold Higher Education Capability Statement

Higher Education
Capability Statement
October 2009

Buro Happold
Contents Higher Education
Capability Statement

Introduction 3 Introduction

1 Adding Value 4
Buro Happold is a multi-disciplinary global engineering and strategic consultancy for the built
Design optimisation 6
Reducing energy costs 8 environment. Guided by the principle that good engineering influences better design, we offer an
Refurbishment 10 integrated service that enables us to respond effectively to the specific challenges presented by
ICT infrastructure 12
Post occupancy evaluation 14
each education project.

With an unrivalled track record in the provision of education project enables us to continuously improve

Front cover: Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, UK. Image: Buro Happold / Alan McAteer. Back cover: Exeter University Forum, UK. Image: Wilkinson Eyre Architects.
2 Sustainable Design 16
innovative and effective building and infrastructure our systems and approach, identify new ways of adding
Sustainable masterplanning 18
solutions in the higher education sector, we are uniquely value, and provide our design partners and clients with
Meeting carbon targets 20
positioned to help universities face the ever changing relevant advice on best use of materials and energy in
Passive and low energy design 22
demands that are made of their buildings and facilities. order to provide better value for money.
BREEAM and LEED assessment 24
Our team provides a broad range of engineering
Recycling and water conservation 26
consultancy and advisory services ranging from We draw on our wealth of project experience to
Sustainable materials 28
flexible building solutions, sustainable technologies create modern, flexible, user-friendly environments
and the refurbishment of existing buildings to campus that enhance learning and research and benefit the
3 Creating Optimal Learning Environments 30
masterplanning and strategic advice. We have a class university community. By maintaining an awareness of
Lighting and ventilation 32
leading reputation for creating award winning designs, all the aspects of a project - and not just those for which
Acoustics 34
evidenced by the impressive number of top design we have been commissioned to provide our services
Facades and external shading 36
awards that the practice has won over the years. - we can add value to the building design as a whole.
This multi-disciplinary approach enables us to deliver
4 Developing the Education Estate 38
Buro Happold has over 30 years’ experience in the an effective response at the all-important early stages
Student accommodation 40
education sector, having worked on projects ranging of design, through to the final implementation and
Sports and leisure facilities 41
from primary schools to universities, and academies subsequent operation of the building.
Faculty buildings 42
to research laboratories, across the world. Over that
Libraries 43
time, we have built many long-term relationships with
Research laboratories 44
universities, architects, contractors and other clients,
and have developed an appreciation and understanding
5 Working In Partnership 46
of the particular issues that face educators and their
Working with stakeholders and clients 48
project partners. The insight we gain from each new
Multi-disciplinary approach 49

Locations 50

Our Services 52

Industry Recognition 53

2 3

Buro Happold
1 Adding Value
Getting more from your investment
in the long term

“Delivering value is all about Operating in a competitive international market, universities are acutely aware of rising costs and
budgetary constraints. With pressure increasing on central funding in the next few years, the need
to control construction and operational costs is vital on every new development. Together with
doing the simple things well.” sustainability, getting more value from capital investment has become one of the key issues driving
the sector.

Buro Happold is in a unique position to help universities from strategic estates review to the use of money-
Neil Billett face the future with confidence: our design solutions are saving flexible construction methods and low energy
Regional Director, Buro Happold easily constructed, environmentally responsible, efficient technologies. After completion, we offer post occupancy
in their use of energy and deliver exceptional value advice on the most economical way to run and maintain
throughout the project life cycle. Our aim is always to be the building.
innovative and responsive to client needs, identifying

1
engineering challenges early on to minimise risk and We understand the budgetary and legislative challenges
future costs. facing educators and can provide expert advice on
vital issues such as energy efficiency, carbon reduction,
There are many ways in which we are able to use our passive design, sustainability and building management.
experience and technical skills to help universities save Our expertise in both new build and refurbishment
money. We apply a wide range of strategies during both gives university estates more options for managing and
the development and operational phases to add value maintaining their building stock, vital in the current
and promote the best commercial interests of our clients, economic climate.
Higher Education Capability Statement

Image: Buro Happold / Alan McAteer
Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, UK
4 5

Buro Happold
Adding Value
Design optimisation

Drawing on a blend of experience and technical know-
how, Buro Happold delivers fully integrated, safe, CASE STUDY 1:
reliable and sustainable design solutions that satisfy the
specified performance criteria while providing maximum One of the key features of the
value for money. To achieve a high level of occupant structural design at Queen
comfort – without a corresponding high energy usage Margaret University is the use of
– we analyse all aspects of a building’s design to ensure minimal finishes with exposed thermal mass.
The concrete mass, with exposed columns and

Image: Wilkinson Eyre Architects
that the structure works in harmony with other elements
in the design, from the building services and passive soffits, provides a natural method of controlling
strategies to the acoustic requirements. seasonal heat fluctuations, while allowing the
architect to achieve the aesthetics they require.
The type, thickness and composition of the construction
materials play a major role in ensuring the design is The minimal use of cement in the concrete
both economical and sustainable. Exposed concrete added value to the construction - cement is the Exeter University Forum, UK
mass and more energy-efficient cladding materials are most costly and carbon intensive part of the mix
increasingly used to improve performance and thermal used, as its production process is expensive and
stability, and these also become an integral part of the uses a lot of energy. Our concrete mix reduced
structural aesthetic of a building. To maximise passive the high level of cement required for this type of CASE STUDY 2:
environmental control and save on energy costs, our structure, but we were still able to achieve a high “It is very flexible and will meet the needs
low energy facades incorporate external shading and quality finish. Additionally, the exposed soffits of the university going forward. We can The restricted site and the close
ventilation systems to provide natural light, warmth saved on ceiling material and installation costs. proximity to other faculty buildings
and airflow.
adapt the building very simply.” at the Open University Jennie Lee
Exposed thermal mass was also a significant Mike Rhodes Head of Projects, Open University Estates Building required in a structural form that
aspect of the structural design at Exeter could be constructed with little site storage and
University Forum, providing the architectural minimal noise and dust. Consequently a pre-
finish to rooms. This solution helps to stabilise fabricated precast concrete frame was selected
temperatures with less need for mechanical to reduce the noise and waste produced on
heating and cooling, whilst also offering the site; provide a structural form that was self
client considerable savings on ceiling finishes. finished and would require little ongoing
This strategy has been complemented by the maintenance. Crucial to the successful delivery
use of earth tubes to precool/preheat fresh air of a precast concrete framed building is the
by maximising contact with the ground, further early involvement of the supply chain and the
reducing the heating and mechanical cooling modularisation of the building into a minimum
load, and facades which respond to the different number of components. This whole project,
orientations of the building. including the feature entrance, was delivered
using just three column profiles and two beam

profiles.

“By reducing the amount of concrete

Image: Buro Happold / Robert Greshoff

at Queen Margaret University we
are producing a project that has less
embodied energy, therefore providing
a sustainable solution with economic
benefits.” Open University Jennie Lee Building, Milton Keynes, UK
6 Neil Dely Associate Director, Buro Happold 7

Buro Happold
Adding Value
Reducing energy costs
“By optimising the building’s planning grid we provided added value
in terms of future flexibility, ease of modification and cost saving.”
Mike Entwisle Associate Director, Buro Happold

Design features that reduce the consumption of (CCHP) units. The use of presence detectors alone –
energy and water have both environmental and cost- defaulting to ‘off’ when a room is empty – can cut the CASE STUDY 2:
saving benefits. Our engineers incorporate a range of amount of electricity used for lighting by as much
sustainable solutions to help limit the amount of energy as 50%. The state-of-the-art Institute of
used within university buildings and reduce reliance on Criminology building at Cambridge
active systems, from passive design methods such as Buro Happold’s holistic approach to design ensures University houses seminar rooms,
natural lighting and ventilation to solar panels, lighting that the facade, building materials, services and lecture theatres, IT spaces and a library situated
controls and combined cooling heat and power control systems work together to achieve high levels of over two floors. Flexibility in the design has
performance and comfort. Measures such as thermal ensured that the building can be adapted to
mass to minimise temperature swings, external shading meet changing needs – for example, for less
to reduce solar glare, openable windows to enhance air cellular and more open plan space in the future.
CASE STUDY 1:
quality, insulation against heat loss and good daylight This flexibility of building services as well as the
At the start of the Imperial College penetration all help to conserve resources, cut energy architectural and structural design adds value by
Business School project, electrical costs and give occupants more control over their reducing the cost of future modifications, while
demand for the campus was almost personal working or living space. Intelligent building reducing energy use through the incorporation
at full capacity, with excess steam producing management systems can also be used to control and of a number of energy-saving features.
2MW of waste heat from the existing boiler and monitor local conditions, automatically returning a
building to a status optimised for energy saving. The services, facade and internal spaces are
district heating system. In order to harness this
designed on a regular grid so that fittings like
excess energy and provided greater efficiency,
windows and radiators can remain in place if
Buro Happold introduced an absorption cooling
“We are able to help our clients save

partitions are moved. Because of the east/west
strategy that would reuse the waste heat and
orientation, blinds may be in regular use to block
cool the business school. Harnessing this power energy in the long term by advising on out the low sun, so a natural ventilation solution
enabled us to provide some of the absorption
chillers for the site at no additional cost other how their buildings should be used as was designed that relies on louvred openings
rather than windows. To reduce energy use, the
than the initial installation, as they were powered well as built.” Building Management System (BMS) provides a
by energy that would otherwise have been
Phil Lines Project Leader, Buro Happold number of facilities to control the heating and
wasted.
Institute of Criminology, Cambridge University, UK ventilation, including timed operation across
Feedback from a lifecycle analysis made different zones, direct compensation of water
it clear that 100% absorption cooling was Imperial College Business School, London, UK flow temperature and control and sequencing of
not appropriate to meet the client’s budget the condensing boilers.
constraints, but that a balance between cost
and the environment could be achieved
however by using 50% absorption, ‘topped up’
by a conventional electric chiller during peak
conditions throughout the year. The use of

the electric chiller is minimised, allowing the
client to remain in budget and also to reduce
maintenance costs.

8 9

Buro Happold
Adding Value “Refurbishment is an important way to preserve our built heritage
Refurbishment and aid the cause of environmental preservation, as much less
construction-related embodied energy will be used.”
Neil Squibbs Education Sector Director, Buro Happold

In a tough economic climate universities need to satisfy
growing demand for space while operating within strict CASE STUDY 2:
spending limits. One clear value-for-money solution
is to re-use the large stock of existing buildings which The Leeds University Art Gallery is situated in the architectural features, and creating new
can be successfully updated to meet current standards. Grade II listed Parkinson Building, one of the major space to conceal air ducts and pipes.
Refurbishment is generally quicker and cheaper than new landmarks of Leeds. Originally completed in 1952, Another issue was to ensure access and
construction, offers a good return on capital outlay and is the building has undergone various refurbishments use of the areas immediately around the gallery
often more sustainable. It can also provide added value in throughout its history. This latest refurbishment were maintained at all times during the construction
terms of updated building and ICT services, improved energy involved an extension to the existing gallery to period; the work was carried out during holidays
usage and easier planning permission. occupy currently unused rooms, maximising the and term time as impaired access would have
valuable space in the building. Our engineers adversely affected the students and lecturers alike.
Refurbishment can serve as a practical demonstration of were able to utilise their extensive knowledge
urban regeneration as well as an opportunity for extending and sensitivity of working with listed buildings to To open the area up and make the best use
the useful life of an existing building and increasing its provide structural and building services work on of natural light the partitions which had been
energy efficiency in operation. With existing buildings the project. constructed in front of the magnificent windows at
representing by far the largest proportion of estate building the front of the Parkinson Building were removed.
stock – and given the need to meet strict government One of the challenges for the engineers at Buro This has been balanced with a combination of
carbon reduction targets – we take measures to ensure that Happold was fitting a comprehensive close control glazing film, automatically controlled interstitial
refurbished buildings are brought up to the performance air conditioning system into a listed building of blinds and sliding blackout shutters which enable
standards required of new build construction. this scale, without compromising on the maximum UVA and UVB light to be filtered as well as regulating
internal space available for the gallery. The engineers levels of brightness, particularly important for light
worked with the architects using the existing sensitive exhibitions.

CASE STUDY 1: The Jessop Building, University of Sheffield

Buro Happold’s work on refurbishing
the Grade II listed Victorian wing of
the old Jessop Hospital for Women
– now named The Jessop Building – for the
University of Sheffield, includes reinstating and
Images: Buro Happold

repairing many of the existing features of the
building, as well as adding brand new elements.
These include a new entrance and bronze
cladding to the rear of the building. As the
bronze weathers, it will further complement the

colours of the original building. Buro Happold
carried out structural repair works to the existing “By bringing the building back to life
facade to strengthen the tower structure, as well
as internal alterations to open up the rooms we have created excellent facilities for
for students and to facilitate the mechanical our Department of Music and have
servicing strategy required to meet the high
acoustic requirements of the music department’s
retained a piece of exquisite Victorian
teaching rooms. A former bay window and architecture for the city.”

Images: Paul White
ground floor staircase previously removed have Professor Keith Burnett Vice Chancellor of the University of Sheffield
been reinstated, creating stunning architectural
features for the building. Sliding UV shutters, at Leeds University Art Gallery, UK
10 11

Buro Happold
Adding Value
ICT infrastructure

In a world where it is no longer possible to consider the
built environment without the influence of ICT, the need SMART BUILDINGS: CASE STUDY:
for a highly capable and accessible ICT infrastructure is
a vital part of modern higher education facilities. With Creating a ‘smart’ site involves joining The Open University’s Jennie Lee
new information technology and services introduced together the various building systems Building is a cutting edge facility
frequently, intelligently designed ICT infrastructures – including security, lighting and housing the Faculties of Maths and
provide the bridge to long-life buildings, enabling rapid environmental systems - to work as an integrated Computing and the Institute of Educational
take up of new solutions economically and without undue whole, intelligently and selectively linking with Technology. Buro Happold worked on the
disruption to the building. Through early involvement at management applications such as timetabling scoping of requirements and the design of
design stage, we are able to facilitate progressive change and room booking. This requires collaboration an ICT infrastructure that would support the
that adds whole life value to projects, by ensuring that with the client team to consider how they will maths department in its new accommodation,
developments can support evolving communication operate with the overall design concept and the ensuring that the ICT facilities were of a quality
requirements and meet sustainability demands. eventual users. These combined systems can demanded by this leading research and teaching
then be operated using an integrated facilities university. The department also includes high-
Universities have three different major end user groups management system, allowing for more effective tech laboratories for modelling, monitoring and
to consider: students, academics and administrative staff. operation and functionality, while lowering costs, measuring human behaviours, and this required
In the early stages of a project, our team works with the not least by contributing to energy conservation. the provision of extensive audio-visual (AV)
client to assess their differing objectives and develop a facilities, as well as a capable ‘local’ computer
robust ICT infrastructure that best suits the needs of the If implemented correctly, creating a smart site centre within the building.
occupants. Our engineers implement sophisticated and can greatly reduce operating costs, as fewer
future-ready ICT systems that maximise capacity while operating staff will be required to manage the Buro Happold worked with the university
keeping costs under control. site day to day than with traditional disparate estates department, the user departments and
systems. Additionally, smart sites also reduce building designers across a range of disciplines
construction costs, as less cabling is needed to undertake the full systems design, and
during installation, reducing containment and prepared the contractor’s requirements. We
WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY: construction. On refurbishment projects, costs provided support to the design and client teams
can be mitigated by incorporating existing throughout, and contributed to successfully
Wireless services form an integral
systems into a new smart solution. delivering a major new facility to the university.
and growing component of ICT
estates. Buro Happold’s team have Once a smart solution has been introduced, the
the expertise to deliver effective wireless post occupancy evaluations and tuning can be
capability, working holistically with the design undertaken much more effectively, contributing
team to ensure that new systems are successfully to further savings, and increasing a building’s
implemented and will go on working within the flexibility of use.
built environment.

The careful consideration of factors such as
choice of materials and how the building will
be used is important when making a project
wireless.

“Materials, structures etc impact on the wireless performance of a
building, as does user density. The most important aspect of installing
a successful ICT infrastructure is forward planning to identify these
issues in advance. We lead holistic thinking to achieve this.” Open University Jennie Lee Building, Milton Keynes, UK
12 Chris Yates ICT Consultant, Buro Happold 13

Buro Happold
Adding Value
Post occupancy evaluation

Many issues with new and refurbished buildings – techniques, our in-depth evaluations include desktop
for example, insufficient insulation, poor ventilation and thermal imaging studies, air-tightness testing and CASE STUDY 2:
and inefficient control systems – cannot always be occupant comfort surveys.
identified at design and construction stage. Post- University College Falmouth’s 72-acre Tremough and floor area involved, investigations
occupancy evaluation (POE) is an effective method Our experts work closely with the end user to identify Campus is at the hub of the Combined Universities were carried out into the annual utility
of assessing buildings and how they are functioning, how a building needs to work for them, and what in Cornwall (CUC) project to extend higher consumption and how it is metered,
while identifying ways to improve building design, steps should be taken to achieve the best results. education provision in the county. The ongoing including a walk-around energy audit to understand
performance and fitness for purpose. By using POE and This participation with the client can lead to a greater expansion of the campus is being carried out in how spaces were used and serviced.
our extensive knowledge of university buildings, we commitment to solutions we introduce, and a greater several phases, the first of which included a major
willingness to adapt to new ways of operating the site. new academic building that incorporates lecture By evaluating the energy required for various end-
are able to advise on issues such as reducing carbon
theatres, faculty buildings, student facilities and a uses, we were able to recommend a number of
emissions in line with increasingly tight benchmarks and
new design centre. energy efficient measures to reduce consumption,
how to save money on operational costs.
such as introducing an energy management
Portland Building, University of Plymouth, UK Buro Happold was commissioned to carry out a strategy and improving control of plant to tie in with
POE provides the design team with valuable data which
can be used to recommend the best value options for post-occupancy energy audit to assess the electricity user requirements at different times – for example,
clients. By enabling us to quantify the sustainability of and gas usage of the new build element against a minimising the amount of air conditioning used in
occupied buildings and advise on changes to practice range of benchmark targets. After first establishing sparsely occupied zones during vacations.
or policy, POE becomes a vital tool for optimising the the benchmarks for the different types of building
performance of both new and refurbished buildings. For

Image: Buro Happold / Mandy Reynolds
this reason, investing in a POE can reap rewards many
times over, not only by reducing energy costs but also
by enhancing the quality and comfort of the learning or
living space.
“As well as highlighting the potential
Using ‘Soft Landings’ – an approach that provides a for reductions in utility costs, an
service aimed at improving building performance
from day one - our specialists engage at the earliest energy audit can be used as the
opportunity in a project to provide guidance on post foundation for future monitoring
occupancy utilisation and assist the design teams
in creating the vision behind the project in terms of and targeting work.”
functionality, usability, manageability, energy efficiency, CASE STUDY 1: Ian Pegg Sustainability Consultant, Buro Happold
environmental performance and occupant satisfaction.
Incorporating lecture theatres,
This is supported with post occupancy studies to inform
teaching spaces and office
the client and to allow fine tuning of the building to
accommodation, the Portland
ensure optimum performance and user satisfaction.
Building at the University of Plymouth
We are able to work with end users to educate them on

enables the Faculty of the Environment to exist
how to get the best out of their buildings, working with
as a single complex on the campus. A strong
the existing staff and their skills set to assist them in
environmental agenda was central to the brief,
operating new control systems. Using advanced analysis
which required sustainable solutions for cooling,

Images: Buro Happold / Mandy Reynolds
ventilation and lighting. Buro Happold carried
out a post-occupancy evaluation to ensure that
low energy performance was being achieved
during the first year of operation. The process
also allowed us to ‘bed in’ the mechanical and
electrical systems and tailor their control to suit
occupant needs.
Combined Universities in Cornwall, Falmouth, UK
14 15

Buro Happold

Buro Happold
2 Sustainable Design
Using resources more efficiently,
saving money on energy costs

“Buro Happold’s approach Meeting sustainability targets is now a key requirement in the design, construction and operation of
university buildings. To make sustainability work, Buro Happold employs a range of solutions based
on passive design, simple operation, water conservation, high performance materials and low and
to sustainability in particular zero carbon (LZC) technologies – such as biomass boilers and photovoltaic panels – which reduce
environmental impact, conserve resources and provide better energy security.

was excellent.” Sustainability provides a quality framework for the entire
design process, enhancing deliverability through easier
sustainable design, assessing a building’s environmental
impact against a range of sustainability benchmarks,
planning consent and cost control. Our holistic approach including energy consumption, transport, pollution,
of analysing all aspects of a building’s performance waste and building management.
Anna Stamp provides the opportunity to reduce carbon emissions to
meet and improve on current environmental targets. We To be sustainable in the long term and maximise value,
Estates Development Manager, University of Edinburgh

2
help develop a practical sustainability strategy to achieve a university building needs to be efficiently engineered
these targets, focusing not just on the way a building is to embody minimum energy, be receptive to user
designed but also the way it is used. needs and allow for flexibility and future adaptability.
In addition there are strong links between a building’s
During the design process we encourage the supply of integrated environmental approach and numerous
materials from renewable sources and the adoption of health, comfort and learning benefits to its occupants,
sustainable waste management strategies. We provide providing further strong economic incentives for
expert advice on how to achieve best practice in sustainable development.

Learning Education

16
16 17

Buro Happold
Sustainable Design
Sustainable masterplanning

Universities are at the heart of the local community, To be competitive in today’s international HE market,
and many are expanding their campuses to meet rising universities need to create an efficient and sustainable
student numbers. Buro Happold works in partnership campus that appeals to a diverse community of students
with clients and architects to create functional, flexible and staff – as well as meeting the estate’s business
and environmentally responsible masterplans that needs. Working as part of an integrated engineering
unlock the potential of the development for the benefit and design team, we consider a range of factors that
of all stakeholders. We bring a thorough understanding contribute to a successful outcome, such as energy
of the many complex environmental, technical and supply, transport, drainage, ecology, water quality and
regulatory issues involved, allowing us to identify waste management. Most importantly our masterplans
solutions that save energy, conserve resources and are flexible, allowing for new uses and opportunities
minimise impacts. based on predictions of how the site is likely to develop.

CASE STUDY:

Buro Happold was appointed as
a part of the team to develop a “Rather than running each building
new masterplan for University independently, we advised linking the
College Falmouth Tremough Campus, which
included the outline design of the services and buildings up to a district heating main
drainage infrastructure and the development so that they all used the same system.
of a sustainability strategy for the campus
development. The proposed development of the This would mean that one energy centre
site brings in a series of plans for the ongoing would cover all buildings, saving money
development of the campus to expand to over
5,000 full time students. and energy.”
Phil Lines Project Leader, Buro Happold
We examined how each room used energy over
a 24 hour period – for example, teaching spaces
would only use energy during daytime hours,
and student accommodation would use the
most energy before and after lecture times. We
were then able to assess how to provide energy
to each space.

Additionally, we advised the university on the
provision of renewable energy solutions for the
campus. A farm near the UCF project already
had two wind turbines in place. We suggested
that by adding a third turbine, the university
Learning Education

could produce all of the energy needed for
the campus.

Image: Buro Happold
University College Falmouth Tremough Campus, UK
18 19 19

Buro Happold
Sustainable Design
Meeting carbon targets

EXETER UNIVERSITY FORUM - VENTILATION

Higher education needs to play its part in meeting Buro Happold is a pioneer in the use of sustainable High-level mechanical extract
national carbon reduction targets as part of the fight strategies and technologies that minimise carbon
against climate change. As well as contributing to the footprint and set new standards for energy
government’s aim for all new public buildings to be zero performance, often drawing on the large stock of data
carbon by 2018, most universities will also be subject gained from our post-occupancy evaluations (POEs) to
EXPLORATION LABS Natural ventilation
to the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC), which recommend the best options for our clients. To achieve at the perimeter
comes into effect in 2010. Reducing carbon emissions compliance with the CRC, we help institutions identify AHU STUDENT SERVICE CENTRE

has therefore become a key requirement in the design, and implement ways of saving energy in all areas of a RETAIL

construction and management of modern HE buildings. building’s procurement, design and operation.

Image: Buro Happold
Keeping carbon emissions low saves money as well as
Intake air from Retail capped connection Low-level displacement supply
resources: UK universities and colleges spend well over Earth Tubes to supply and extract ductwork from raised access floor plenum
£200 million a year on energy so there are considerable CASE STUDY 1:
opportunities to save money through more efficient The new Alsion Campus in Bank capped connection
use – savings that can be invested in valuable resources Sonderborg covers a substantial to supply and extract ductwork
for staff and students. With buildings in the HE sector in 20,000m2 site, and includes a state
England alone emitting around 3.3 million tonnes of CO2 of the art concert hall and a science park. Buro

Images: Wilkinson Eyre Architects
annually, it is also an invaluable opportunity to enhance Happold worked with the project design team
its reputation for environmental responsibility. to achieve the client’s ambition of beating
the Danish Building Regulation targets, which
are 30% more exacting than UK regulations.
By carefully analysing and detailing the large
amounts of glass planned for the structure, it
was possible to demonstrate that energy savings
were achievable while realising the architect’s Exeter University Forum, UK
vision for the building.

A key part of this development is to implement
a number of energy saving features, such as
river water cooling techniques, solar shading CASE STUDY 2:
and renewable energy systems. Following its
The brief for the Exeter University Forum was to be determine the size of the tubes in
opening in autumn 2007, the new campus as
as sustainable as possible. Solutions utilised by the order to make them compatible with
a whole has achieved a 20–30% reduction in
design team include maximising the use of natural the building’s foundations and the
energy consumption.
daylight and ventilation, thermal mass, earth tubes topography of the site, while achieving the required
and ground source heat pumps (GSHPs). These have performance. GSHPs will provide space heating to

resulted in the design achieving an additional 16% the new Forum building and refurbished library.
improvement on the targets set. The Forum project is They will produce approximately 55% of the CO2 of
on course to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. a gas condensing boiler per KWh of delivered heat,
offering substantial carbon benefits.
The earth tubes are to be buried below the internal
street area to pre-cool or pre-heat the air entering Exeter University has recently been awarded the
Image: 3XN / Adam Mørk

the building during the summer and winter months. Carbon Trust Standard, putting it among the top
The ground temperature is relatively constant at 10 universities in the UK for carbon management,
around 12oC, and therefore can significantly reduce and the Forum project is an important next step in
the air heating and air cooling demands for the maintaining this postion.
building. Extensive analysis was carried out to
Alsion Campus, Syddansk University Science and Technology Park, Sonderborg, Denmark
20 21

Buro Happold Higher Education Capability Statement

Buro Happold Higher Education Capability Statement

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