Solar-thermal panels installed above windows
Eco-office Refurbishment
Engineers Create Passive and Renewable Solution
Building Services and Low Carbon Consultants, OR Consulting, have completed the low energy refurbishment of a 1920s warehouse, creating a low carbon office facility for John Thompson and Partners Architects. The main project goal was to demonstrate how low carbon technologies could be implemented in a cost effective manner, to both improve the building's passive performance and reduce its carbon footprint.
- Photo-voltaic and solar-thermal panels were installed above windows on the south façade, performing a two-fold function of generating energy while acting as brise soleil to minimise internal heat gains.
- The photovoltaic panels were installed to generate electricity to offset server room energy consumption, reducing annual energy consumption by 25%.
- The solar-thermal array generates 40% of the buildings annual hot water requirements.
- Each floor of the office was designed to be naturally ventilated with the central stairwell designed to act as a thermal chimney.
- The office floors were designed to be passively cooled, with the thermal mass of each office floor enhanced by Energen phase change panels.
- Low energy lighting and switched zones according to daylight level to reduce electrical consumption and internal heat gains.
- Rooms not in continuous use were fitted with presence detectors to control their lighting.
- Low water usage fittings were installed throughout the building.
- Grey water recycling was installed to re-use waste water from showers for toilet flushing.
The project was fast-track with only 4 months from inception to completion, which made OR Consulting’s practical approach to design invaluable.
OR Consulting Engineers
Central House, 4th Floor
25 Camperdown Street
London
E1 8DQ
020 8616 0062
info@orconsult.co.uk