Go Green!

van Heyningen & Haward Architects, RSPB, Rainham Marshes

As inhabitants of this planet we are hearing a lot about becoming more environmentally friendly to tackle issues such as climate change and to prolong the resources we have available to us. This could involve recycling and re-using where possible, dietary changes, cycling to work or generally living a simpler lifestyle. As designers however we have another role to fulfil, we can consider our carbon footprint and the effects we could have on our planet, for many years to come, long after we have left. We should consider the energy consumption of our buildings, their sustainability, how to create legacies, the longevity of architecture and making the most of our resources for not only today but the future too.

As an almost Architect, I am keen to understand and to grow with the need for sustainability. It is a topic that is repeatedly coming up and being many practices are being rewarded for celebrating it.

Promoting 'green' ideals in our designs is something we are pushed to do at University, for example I had a tutor that liked to see recycling bins on floor plans! Other important features to consider included the incorporation of photovoltaic panels, automated louvres, rainwater collection and re-used to flush out toilets, natural ventilation, energy efficient lighting, utilising natural sunlight, triple glazed windows, material choices and so forth. There are many features to consider, even during the earliest stages of design.

I have found some projects of which I found to be interesting whilst I have been mulling over this idea of sustainability and what we as not only humans but designers can do for our planet.

- van Heyningen & Haward Architects, RSPB Environment and Education Centre, Rainham Marshes

An ambitious scheme designed to encourage visitors to the Marshes, where they could learn about sustainability and also birds from the area.

Images from https://www.vhh.co.uk/our-work/rspb-envrironment-and-education-centre  

Context, site location plan

The built response to the site is bold and physically describes its notion of sustainability
and forward-thinking in the clearest manner

During the night, the two roof vents glow amongst the landscape,
these provide natural ventilation into the internal rooms

The building form is spread across the landscape with paths leading into the surrounding grounds

A sketch depicting the building in its context

- Adam Khan Architects, Brockholes Visitor Centre, Lancashire

A visitor centre and masterplan for the Lancashire Wildlife Trust. A collection of beautifully formed buildings float along a large concrete pontoon, designed to provide protection from flooding.

Images from: https://adamkhan.co.uk/projects/brockholes/

Site Location plan, showing the buildings amongst the context of the reservoir and landscape

Floating sketch 

The roof forms rise above the surrounding greenery and sit within the middle ground, similarly to the above sketch 

The grey tones of the timber and the reservoir below compliment one another,
reminiscent of it's ancient marshland. The materials utilised in this build have been efficiently
sourced, timbers have been sustain-ably engineered and wastage kept to a minimum  

The roof plan shows a series of small rectangular structures arranged in a fairly linear format

The interiors are far from regular, they are exciting spaces, flooded with light from above skylights. The whole building embodies the idea of sustainability, in that it incorporates natural ventilation, low-embodied energy materials, draught proofing, grey water use, a biomass boiler, high grade insulation and high spec. glazing  

- Berman Guedes Stretton Architects, Shulman Auditorium, Queen's College, Oxford

A 120 seat auditorium finished to a high standard. The design of the theatre is set within ancient garden walls, maintaining the surrounding medieval ancient garden. A traditional stone slate pitched roof, creates a low impact building respectful of its historical context, as described on the practice website).        

Images from: http://www.bgsarchitects.co.uk/projects/shulman-auditorium-the-queens-college-oxford/#
https://www.ajbuildingslibrary.co.uk/projects/display/id/5323

A raked timber structure provides seating within the auditorium. Elegant columns support the
roof structure, independent of the existing walls.  

The oak lined interior allows for the space to be acoustically tuned and therefore suitable as both a lecture
theatre and a music venue. Large timber louvres are attached to each of the window openings.

Ground source heat pumps are used to provide a basis for heating and cooling
of the auditorium, with the support of a gas fired boiler. 

- Architype, St Luke's CE Primary School, Wolverhampton

A two-form entry primary school, which achieved a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating. The brief was to provide the school with energy efficient space which could run with a minimal heating load and minimal yet effective artificial lighting. The form of the school has been carefully considered in order to maximise daylight, control solar gains and encourage naturally ventilated spaces.

Images are from: https://architype.co.uk/project/st-lukes-primary-and-infants-school/

Douglas fir cladding encapsulates the external element of the school building

Planning zones for the classrooms, diagrammatic thinking

Internal spaces are visually interesting and well lit 

Triple glazed windows, high levels of natural light, controlled natural ventilation, biomass heating system, night time cooling are to name but a few of the sustainable features of this wonderful school. The roof is finished with cedar shingles.

The natural non toxic materials used in the interior create a
healthy environment for the pupils

- Glen Howells Architects, Triangle, Swindon

A modern interpretation of Swindon's 19th century railway town vernacular. The project comprises of 42 low-energy homes, constructed with timber frame structures, hemcrete and a lime render, which complies with Code 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes as well as many other standards.

Images from: https://glennhowells.co.uk/project/triangle-swindon/

The homes are set around a triangle-like communal outdoor area

Each form follows the rhythm to that of a small terraced block of houses, they are both affordable and
environmentally responsible. This is a model followed by many other 
practices with residential projects

Thermal chimney, this is a significant part of the environmental strategy for these properties. Air tightness in a home can ensure comfortable conditions throughout the winter but in contrast it can also be a means for overheating in the summer. These thermal chimneys ensure natural ventilation overcomes this issue

A vent below the thermal chimney, opens out onto the stair below, allowing the house to stay cool without the need to use the mechanical ventilation, thus preventing waste. The mechanical ventilation can only be used once the insulated ventilation hatch is closed

- Tonkin Liu, Old Shed New House, Agricultural Shed Conversion, 2018 

Old Shed New House is a converted shed settled in a vast agricultural landscape within North Yorkshire. The brief for this project was to create a house, library and gallery to a high standard in a low-cost and energy-efficient manner.  

Images from: http://www.tonkinliu.co.uk/project/old-shed-new-house 
https://www.archdaily.com/903822/old-shed-new-house-tonkin-liu

Originally a shed used to contain tools and tractors becomes a container for valuable books and art

Large windows capture views of the external conditions 

The floor plan shows a series of spaces connected by the axial passage

Low-cost materials have been employed in the construction of this scheme

The extensive library is a double height space with a single height space overlooking from the first floor. The light floods through the large windows, this makes the most of the compact spatial arrangement

- XSite Architecture, Toffee Factory, Newcastle upon Tyne

 Refurbishment and extension to a set of derelict Victorian factory buildings to provide creative industries with office space. The design retains the original brickwork structure with a complimentary extension.

Images from: http://www.xsitearchitecture.co.uk/portfolio/toffee-factory/project-page.html
https://www.maxfordham.com/projects/the-toffee-factory-newcastle

A combination of old and new, industrial spaces turn
office space for creative businesses

The scheme achieved a BREEAM Very Good rating. A biomass boiler and naturally
ventilated office spaces are some of the key environmentally friendly features

Naturally ventilated spaces 

Daylight soaks the interiors

Retaining wall to the south rules out any natural light, which is why
the additional floor rising above this is a key design factor

Sedum roof, passivent natural ventilation louvres
ventilate and cool the offices beneath

Building services are concealed in the floors as opposed to the walls,
which in turn make the office spaces more flexible

I enjoyed researching these different schemes and the various reasons for their sustainable acclaim. I have tried to cover residential, industrial meets commercial, cultural and educational sectors.

The projects are more than just pretty landscapes and experimental forms, they are exploratory but they serve purpose. The materials are perfectly selected, there are strategies in place and they are well considered from concept to delivery.

As an Almost Architect I hope to follow in suit of these designers, we can all help in the mission to go green.