Goldington Academy’s New Art Block

Envision working with project managers Summit Property Consultants have just completed the mechanical design for Goldington Academy’s New Art Block in Bedford.

The project involved a detailed survey of the existing systems to develop an optimised solution for the site. The strategy proposed saved costs for the client and aligns with the current facilities management capabilities in place at The Academy.

Overheating risk is a major concern in school buildings as it can affect pupils wellbeing and the ability to learn. As part of our integrated advice, Envision advised on building design including window openings and thermal performance to comply with the current version of BB101 relating to thermal comfort in school buildings. This sets limits for the number of hours a year the school building can exceed 28oc, whilst also limiting the maximum temperature to 32oC by checking the average internal temperature does not exceed the average external temperature by more than 5oC. We undertook Dynamic Simulation Modelling to ensure the comfort criteria of BB101 could be met. This was applied iteratively through design evolution to demonstrate how the levels could be achieved.

Envision also undertook the initial SBEM and EPC analysis to ensure the development can meet emissions limits set by Building Regulations Part L2A.

Our approach demonstrates how Envision combines leading M&E design services with surveying and building physics to develop efficient and comfortable buildings for future.