Energy Education Centre - Cardiff - MArch Architecture Design Thesis - 2022 - Year 6 - Uni of Bath by Georgie Rose

CARDIFF

ENERGY E D U C AT I O N CENTRE

GEORGINA ROSE

AC K N OW L E D G E M E N T S I would like to express great thanks to Jo Hibbert for continued guidance and support in completing this project, and to the following for their time and expertise throughout the semester: Professor Alex Wright Andy Jarvis Steve Fisher John Martin Rupert Grierson Joe Jack Williams I would also like to thank Peter Clegg, Tim Burgess, Bill Gething, Fergus Fielden and Sarah Hare for their insight and feedback at various stages of the project through Reviews.

The following document is submitted by Georgina Rose as part of the degree of Masters of Architecture at the University of Bath, Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, 2022. It is designed to be read in conjunction with:

Reigniting Cardiff I, Research & Analysis Reigniting Cardiff II, Process Reigniting Cardiff III, Proposal Cardiff Energy Education Centre: Individual Brief & Cardiff Energy Education Centre: Sketchbook

CONTENTS Narrative

Site

Brief

Approach

Beauty

Proposal

Energy

Place

Landscape

Water

105

Environmental

113

Structure + Detail

129

Regulations

153

Reflection

161

Health Materials Equity

For Design Development, please see separate document: Cardiff Energy Education Centre: Sketchbook

NA R R AT I V E

C L I M AT E E M E RG E N C Y

M IN G

UK greenhouse gas emissions by sector

30% TRANSPORT

21% RESIDENTIAL

18% BUSINESS

24% ENERGY

7% OTHER

Collaborative action is needed to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Above this, climate-related risks greatly increase, including food security, health, livelihoods and poverty. Therefore, addressing energy forms a key part of the net-zero strategy.

Globally, the energy sector is responsible for two-thirds of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and is the biggest contributor to global warming. The second largest proportion of UK greenhouse gas emissions is due to energy generation in the form of electricity, but this energy is also used within other sectors, such as transport or domestically. In 2019, the UK declared a climate emergency with the aim to reach net zero by 2050.

E N E RG Y T R A N SI T I O N Since the start of the industrial revolution 1.2°C of global warming has already occurred, entirely due to the rapid rise in CO2 emissions in the atmosphere. Historically, energy transitions have catalysed this change, with pivotal moments including the change from wood-based to coal-based systems, the discovery of oil, invention of electricity and overall harnessing of fossil fuels. As well as CO2 emissions, consumption and population have rapidly expanded over the past century, leading to two major issues facing us today: the depletion of finite fossil fuels and the resultant global warming. Never before has an energy transition sought to reduce energy use and preserve resources. This leads to the question; what does the future energyscape look like?

C A R D I F F E N E RG Y E X P O RT E R Prior to the coal revolution, Cardiff had little recognition on the global stage or even within Wales. The area was fundamentally defined by the industrial revolution and discovery of so-called ‘black diamonds’ in the South Wales valleys. Located between two forces of nature, the Brecon Beacons and the Severn Estuary, Cardiff was in prime position to export coal to the world. At its peak, the South Wales Coal field was the largest in Britain and was a shipping metropolis, exporting globally. In 1913, coal exports reached over 11 million tonnes, putting Cardiff on the map. The boom of the Cardiff coal industry was short-lived. By the 1930s, Welsh coalfields had been overexploited and remaining reserves were increasingly inaccessible. As oil began to overtake coal, the Cardiff docks entered a decline from which they never truly recovered; coal exports ceased completely in 1964.

Coal shipping routes from Cardiff

L O S T H E R I TAG E The global shipping industry led to the dockside becoming home to a diverse population of sailors and families from over 50 countries. Known as Tiger Bay, it was Wale’s oldest multi-ethnic community. Following industry decline, house clearances and demolition aimed to redevelop the area in the 1960s. However, this relocated many residents and by the 1970s the unemployment rate was still 60%. Scars of the developer interventions and coal industry remain; rail, road and dock infrastructure exaggerates physical divides between the present communities, segregating new rich, white inhabitants from original, deprived, diverse BAME populations. Cardiff has lost both it’s rich community heritage and economic purpose.

E N E RG Y I N WA L E S TO DAY Wales is actually a net exporter of electricity, producing 28.0 TWh, whilst only consuming 14.7 TWh. However, a large proportion of this is due to fossil fuels, particularly gas, making the South Wales grid one of the most carbon intensive in the UK.

2015 - Last Nuclear Power Station in Wales decommissioned

The last coal-fired power station in Barry, near Cardiff, was only decommissioned at the start of 2020 and has been converted into a biomass plant, however coal continues to be used in steel and cement production. Cardiff accounts for 36% of all energy consumption in Wales and is currently a ‘three planet city’.

SOLAR

OTHER

OFFSHORE WIND

GAS

Gas

ONSHORE WIND

Oil Biomass Waste

COAL

OIL

Wales Electricity Generation, 2019

Solar Wind Hydro 2012 - Largest Gas-fired Power Station in Europe opens (2,200MW)

2020 - Last Coal-fired Power Station in Wales decommissioned

Tidal Severn Barrage?

E X I S T E N T IA L D E BAT E In order to drastically rethink its energy sources, Cardiff must explore more radical options. With the second largest tidal range in the world, the Severn Estuary has been researched for many years as a potential source of free, reliable, sustainable power. The Severn Barrage would span 16km from Cardiff to Weston-super-Mare and could generate 5% of the UK’s energy demand via tidal power. Not only would the intervention produce enough energy for a population area 2.4 times Cardiff, but it would also save 26,000 homes in Cardiff alone from the risks of sea level rise by 2050. However, the costs associated with the Severn Barrage and potential loss of intertidal habitats makes the proposal controversial. These kind of issues and discourse around them are only becoming more important, particularity for the general public to understand. Therefore, a place that could facilitate these conversations and educate the population on the possibilities of the renewable energy transition is vital in also securing its social and economic sustainability.

City Centre

Butetown (formerly Tiger Bay) Docks

C A R DI F F BAY SEV E R N E ST UA RY

S ev ern

Ba rra ge?

Cardiff Annual Flood Event by 2050 due to sea level rise 06

C A R D I F F E N E RG Y T R A N SI T I O N Ultimately, the coal industry, to which Cardiff owes its historic success, has created many of the present day issues facing the city. In the context of the climate emergency, energy crisis and as the capital of Wales, Cardiff has the potential to become an innovative renewabledriven city. For the first time there is the demand for an energy transition that seeks not to exploit new resources at increased intensity, but to work in harmony with renewable ones to engage global political change. Through the initiation of the Severn Barrage and as a new gateway to Wales, Cardiff can once again become an energy exporter on a global stage, but re-imagined as a sustainable producer and setting a precedent for the rest of the world. This change of use for Cardiff will not be an instantaneous change. As such, there is need for a place to facilitate Cardiff ’s own transition into the proposed masterplan vision:

A place for COMMUNITY

A place for FUTURE ENERGY

A place for EDUCATION

Historically Unsustainable Energy Exporter

Sustainable Energy Producer Masterplan Vision

SI T E

W E L SH C A P I TA L As a UK capital city, Cardiff has the potential to present an example to the rest of the country or even in a global context. A national strategy was developed for actions cities along the Severn Estuary should take in response to the implementation of the Severn Barrage.

SEVERN ESTUARY FRAMEWORK

The Tidal Barrage would save an estimated 200km2 of land from annual flooding in 2050 due to sea level rise. Of this, 55km2 along the estuary edge will be dedicated to a new protected National Park habitat. Therefore, within the remaining available land, 30% is brownfield and thus this is prioritised for development.

CHEPSTOW

NEWPORT

RETREAT FROM ESTUARY EDGE

CARDIFF PORTISHEAD

SEV E R N E ST UA RY

BRISTOL CLEVEDON

PREVENT URBAN SPRAWL

B R I STOL C HA N N E L

WESTON-SUPER-MARE

Severn Estuary National Park

UK Context

Land saved from 2050 annual flood event

INVEST IN LOCAL JOBS

CARDIFF CENTRAL

C A R DI F F BAY

SEV E R N E ST UA RY

SEV E

BAR R

AGE

C A R D I F F V I SI O N The masterplan locale is an extension of one of the green corridors from the north down to the Severn Estuary. Referred to as the ‘central spine’, the proposal creates an integrated network that supplies and links energy, heat transport, water and waste management within an active park. As part of the development strategy, the first buildings implemented in the masterplan will be energy-related, occupying converted existing buildings. This stresses to the public the importance of the re-imagining of Cardiff ’s energy and immediately increases awareness of the sustainable masterplan aims. As an energy education centre, this project will be one of these catalyst buildings, marked in red. The central spine creates a permeable N-S link between the existing City Centre to the Bay to the new Severn Estuary National Park. The park contains various functions, including community use, enhanced ecological habitats, productive land, public squares for gathering and outdoor cultural arts. These respond to the local building use adjacent to the park.

0m 11

500m

C E N T R A L SP I N E The W-E section below shows the masterplan proposal through Lloyd George Avenue. Instead of an impenetrable train line creating a retaining wall that divides opposite communities, a two way tram link down the spine and gentle grading of the slope creates a neutral area for all communities. A shared surface on either side of the spine for pedestrians, cyclists and occasional emergency or service vehicles also allows for maintenance of the services below. Here a district heat network supplies power for the whole locale using a water source heat pump in the bay.

Densify Units

Shared Space

N-S Tram

W-E cycle route

Pavilions

SUDs and Swales

District Heat Network and Services

Active GF

HIUs to apartments 12

C A NA L PA R K The site is located within ‘Canal Park’. As the main spine has a higher focus on ecology and habitats, Canal Park has its own distinctive character, mainly functioning as large open green space for sport and recreational activity. However, it still benefits from the associated connections and opportunities of the main network.

C A R D I F F F R A M E WO R K

new electric bus and tram routes

Therefore a site that utilises a brownfield site or even repurposes an existing building would be most appropriate. Plus, this would align with the brief to create a centre focused on sustainable energy education, by setting an example of sustainable building reuse and sensitive environmental design.

45 km

Whilst the masterplan scheme deviates from existing council plans by creating a new framework (right), the identification of this area as a bridge between the existing city centre and new masterplanned locale was identified.

The existing local development plan proposes to create an additional 29,200 houses by 2026. However, only 6.5% of the areas of proposed ‘strategic sites’ are brownfield sites, including one of which that falls partially within the locale boundary. Denoted as the ‘Cardiff Central Enterprise Zone and Regional Transport Hub’ the council are keen to establish the area as a new business district, as well as building 500 more homes to the South of the area by demolishing old warehouses.

250m

maximum distance from home to green space

16,500

homes powered by bay water source heat pump

Cardiff Central Enterprise Zone and Regional Transport Hub

68,000

new sustainable jobs created

SI T E H I S TO RY

1 8 8 0s

1950s

1970s

The Glamorganshire Canal was built in the 1790s, running from Merthyr Tydfil (south of the Brecon Beacons) and ending at a sea lock in Cardiff docks. Cardiff Central Train Station shown in top left.

A new lock (Number 51) was built around 1900 to raise the water level to match that in the Bute Docks to the East. The larger West timber pond was filled in and replaced with workshops connected into the railway network.

To support the growing dock industry new infrastructure, such as railway lines and timber ponds, is developed at the start of the 20th century.

In 1951 a steamer crashed into the sea lock beyond repair, leaving the portion of the canal below lock 51 a large muddy ditch. Eventually the canal was filled in the late 1960s to create Canal Park.

The existing warehouse on site was built in the 1970s. In the 1960s, large areas of Butetown were demolished for ‘slum clearing’, removing much community heritage. For example, Loudoun Square was replaced with 2 tower blocks. Additionally, lots of industrial infrastructure was removed, such as docks and railway lines. St Mary’s Church (orange) is one of the oldest, surviving buildings in the area. In 1999, the Bay Barrage in stabilised the water level in the River Taff so it is no longer tidal.

I N D U S T R IA L PAS T

1921: Butetown timber ponds, looking east from the River Taff

1943: Looking north from the bay, large timber pond has been replaced with warehouses

C OA L , WAT E R , ST E A M The site has intrinsic links to Cardiff ’s industrial past. It sits in line with the Glamorganshire Canal (now filled in as the linear Canal Park) and also on top of the final lock along the canal before reaching Cardiff Sea Lock into the docks. Much of the area was used for fabrication, mills and dockside shipping industries. Timber ponds were used to store and season wood to avoid it warping or cracking prior to being worked in nearby mills. Then, timber was used in the ship building industry or taken up the canal to be used in coal mines as props. Canals and timber floats also provided a form of entertainment for all ages, from fishing to play, but were also very dangerous.

1930s: Fishing on the Timber Float; Lock 51 and the two towers of St Mary’s Church can be seen in the top right background 17

L O S T C OM M U N I T Y Almost nothing from this period remains today; the Glamorganshire Canal and timber ponds are filled in, the riverside branch railway was dismantled, Butetown terraced housing and many of the industrial buildings demolished. Thus, the timeless intrigue of water, steam, engineering and mechanical movement links the lost heritage of the past with the future for a centre for sustainable energy.

Before: 1960

After: 1968

2 1 ST C E N T U RY C O N T E X T The Salvation Army

St Mary’s Catholic Church

Greek Orthodox Church

Nelson and Loudoun House

St Mary’s Primary School

G OR

N VE

Noor El Islam Mosque

Alfred Cook House

Canal Park

TAY L O R & S O N S BUILDING

BROWNFIELD LAND

Looking south towards the bay from Cardiff Central Station

Cardiff Bay

Cardiff & Vale College

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Offi

CURRENT CONTEXT

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Cardiff ’s industrial past has left a substantial legacy around the site. Firstly, there is the legacy of warehouse buildings, both new and old, showing how, until recently, the importance of manufacturing within the area. Now, many lie abandoned.

uar

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Offi

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Ge org

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’s ary St M urch Ch

r& Taylo

’s ary ool St Mry Sch a Prim

Sons

ouse ok H

ing Build

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e arad al P

Alfre

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Dum

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n ssilia 2 Tre ce a r Ter

Llo

’s ary ool St Mry Sch a Prim

Can

Resultantly, the legacy of a diverse community, originating due to the docks, can be observed in a variety of religious buildings, including three churches and a mosque. Recent developments have increased the presence of education within the ‘flying start’ area, such as the new Cardiff & Vale College, and office buildings have become more common.

lla

Sq han

am l Isl e E r o No Mosqu

ade l Par a e n a C arad One al P Can

orts ge Sp Colle ches Pit

Greenfield land

Main road routes

New school proposed

Views from site

Potential for new routes

Access to park

ary Milit e g Colle

Train routes

al Can Park

e olleg iff C

Brownfield land

Card

Croe

100m

1:2500

20 n etow But illion Pav

son Nel d an n dou Lou use Ho

C O N T E X T UA L M AT E R IA L S

S T M A RY ’ S C AT HO L IC C H U R C H

N O OR E L I SL A M M O S QU E

A L F R E D C O OK HO U SE

Rubble Stone

Red brick

(Corrugated) Metal Cladding

m Tra

Extended Cardiff Central

p Sto

al ntr Ce are f u f Sq rdi Ca rival r A

FUTURE CONTEXT

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Offi

The immediate context around the site is similar in scale to the existing warehouse, at 2-4 storeys. Buidlings become higher towards the west and within the city centre.

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As part of the masterplan strategy, brownfield sites will be densified to save greenfield sites and limit urban sprawl. Therefore, the future urban context is that of higher rise, of 6-8 storeys, particularly in brownfields to the north of the site. Similarly, the ground conditions neighbouring the site are largely public or private hardstanding, but in the future planting and green spaces will be increased.

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’s ary ool St Mry Sch a Prim

Sons

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Alfre

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Dum

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am l Isl e E r o No Mosqu

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Mixed-use developments

Fronts and backs

Removed buildings

Views to and from site

Masterplan W-E route

Access to park

100m

ary Milit e g Colle

Main routes

e olleg iff C

Public parks

Croe

Card

Train and tram routes

l na Ca rk Pa

1:2500

22 n etow But illion Pav

son Nel d an n dou Lou use Ho

K E Y E X I S T I N G V I E WS

E X I ST I N G WA R E H O U SE

m 250

The Taylor & Sons warehouse was built in the 1970s over Lock 51 of the filled in Glamorganshire Canal. It has been occupied by various manufacturing companies, such as Wyndham Engineering who extended it to the north in 1985, but most recently by CentreGreat Engineering where it was used for steel fabrication. Since they relocated in 2018, the warehouse has been derelict. As the extension to the north is the most poorly constructed part of the structure, it is proposed that this is removed. However, these still have lots of potential for material reuse, either on site or in elsewhere projects. This leaves an area of about 2,000m2 (26m x 80m) of existing building footprint for adaptive reuse.

m 050

2, 2

m 200

sid

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0 197

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97 lt 1

198

EXISTING CONDITION

BRIEF

C E N T R E F O R A LT E R NAT I V E T E C H The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is an educational charity focused on researching and communicating sustainable living. As well as offering postgraduate degrees and residential short courses, it is open to the public and hosts school visits within 28,000m2 of outdoor interactive displays. However, the remote location of CAT within mid Wales makes it largely inaccessible without visitor reliance on cars.

I N T E R AC T I V E S C I E N C E C E N T R E S There are lots of science and technology centres across the UK that facilitate learning in a playful way, mainly targeting younger children. However, none of these, except CAT, have a particular sustainable agenda or any link to energy education. By utilising a multidisciplinary approach to create exhibitions that combine art and science, it is hoped the Energy Education Centre can engage with a wider audience.

E D U C AT I O N I N C A R D I F F From September 2022, the Welsh Curriculum will be reshaped to support changing needs of the future. It is proposed that the Energy Education Centre could be implemented alongside the new curriculum, contributing to the new sustainable education programme. As a centre to faciltate learning and a place for the community to come together, the site has strong links to educational and community facilities. It is hoped the centre could work in collaboration with these other facilities to engage a community of all ages.

Facilities in Cardiff (with proposed masterplan)

min

Community Centres

Care Homes

min

University

College / Sixth Form

Secondary School / Sixth Form

Primary School

min

Flying Start Area

LEARNING

Self-Directed Learning

AUDITORY LEARNER (HEARING)

MAIN E X H I B I T ION

To accommodate the best learning environment, places must be inclusive and accessible for all. Various traditional and interactive exhibits can be used to facilitate messages to visitors. Particularly by using interactive mediums, participation and engagement can be increased.

GROUP DISCUSSION*, MEDIA - AUDIO, ORAL PRESENTATIONS*

Structured learning consists of two-way interactions between ‘teacher’ and ‘participant’. It typically occurs in a planned, organised manner within spaces such as classrooms, workshops or lecture theatres. VIDEO, LECTURE*

MUSIC

DEMONSTRATION, RECONSTRUCTION, INTERACTIVE MODEL, WORKING ENVIRONMENT

C A F E + K I TC H E N SHOP + R E C E P T ION

TACTILE OBJECT

C L A S SR O OM S

OF F IC E S WC WOR K SHOP + S TOR AG E

ANIMATRONICS

Structured Learning

L E C T U R E HA L L

KINESTHETIC LEARNER (DOING)

MEDIA - IMAGES, STATIC OBJECT, GRAPHIC DISPLAY

VISUAL LEARNER (SEEING)

Self-directed learning is considered more informal and involves one-way participation, such as reading, listening or watching videos. Visitors can choose how to engage and move around a flexible space at their own speed.

* denotes exhibits that require structured learning facilities: Lecture Hall, Classrooms, Workshop

Structured Learning

Self-Directed Learning

PLANT

C I R C U L AT IO N 30

E N E RG Y E D U C AT I O N Nowhere in Wales, or even the UK, provides a comprehensive experience that gives visitors a complete overview of the future and innovation of energy, except the Centre for Alternative Technology in a remote part of mid Wales. However, CAT’s unconnected location creates reliance on unsustainable transport methods. The brief proposes to bring the ethos of CAT to a more accessible urban location, helping to facilitate a centre in the Welsh capital. Part of the success of CAT is the ability to walk around the site and see renewable energy generation in action, however this also makes it susceptible to frequent bad Welsh weather, making the outdoor exhibits unusable. As such, an important component of the brief is to create an interactive environment and landscape both inside and out that can facilitate energy education.

CAT

CARDIFF

CAFE

WCs

150m2

150m2 WCs

70m

throughout, as needed

STAFF ROOM

70m2

EXHIBITION STORES

FIRST AID

WORKSHOP

MEETING ROOMS

40m2

OPEN PLAN OFFICES

KITCHEN

B R I E F S C H E D U L E O F AC C OM M O DAT I O N

PLANT (10%)

475m2

LUNCH AREA

CLKs

75m2

550m2

275m2 HISTORY

RESOURCES EXHIBITION

550m2

INCONSISTENT RENEWABLES

550m2

PREDICTABLE RENEWABLES

275m2 FUTURE

STUDIO 50m2

Indictive exhibition layout

SHOP

ENTRY

RECEPTION

90m2

80m2

150m2

CIRCULATION (10%)

LANDSCAPE DESIGN

THEATRE / LECTURE HALL

CLASSROOMS

150m2

80m2

outdoor exhibits and play area

475m2

WCs

A P P ROAC H

E X I ST I N G C O N D I T I O N Elements to be retained: 1 2 3 4

Steel portal frame: repaint with fireproof coating Corrugated steel cladding panels: clean and repaint Brick: retain in situ Reinforced concrete floor: retain in situ Elements to be reused:

5 6 7 8

Steel portal frame: to be recycled Corrugated steel cladding panels: reused by repainting or melted and recycled Road hardstanding and concrete slab: recycled as concrete aggregate Garage doors and GRP rooflights: reused in landscape or recycled

2. Corrugated Steel

3. Red Brick

4. Concrete Floor

8. Garage Doors

Area to be removed 1

Area to be removed 3

8 7

C A N A L PA R A D E R O A D

25m

1:500 33

P RO P O SE D S T R AT E G Y 1 Insulated Pods: have no direct heating source, but are insulated for sound 2 Comfort levels: the warehouse is unconditioned, tempered by equipment, lighting and people 3 Mezzanine: to redefine building circulation 4 Rooflights: introduced for lighting and ventilation 5 Exterior: aims to reuse existing building materials, whilst introducing natural light and ventilation 6 Steel Portal Frame: retained and repainted 7 Reinforced concrete floor: retain in situ

2 5 7

Warehouse Adaptation Sectional Model: 1:50

EXHIBITION JOURNEY An initial concept for a journey through the exhibition was developed. The main aim was to create a route that started and ended in the same place. The order of these exhibits changed during the proposal development but the zoning into Resources, Inconsistent Renewables and Predictable Renewables was still employed. It was also decided not to create a model house to demonstrate energy consumption, as this was too clichéd and it was better to leave visitors to draw their own conclusions.

U N D E R STA N D I N G E N E RG Y A main purpose of the building is to give visitors an awareness of energy issues. A key part of this is the ability to understand quantities and units. For example: Does a TV or a fridge use more energy? How much carbon does nuclear emit compared to coal? What does 1 tonne of carbon dioxide actually look like? This forms an important part of the exhibition, either to be integrated throughout the experience or explained as an overview at the start.

When something is said to emit one tonne of CO2e, how much actually is this? (10m diameter sphere)

820 gCO2e/kWh

2.5 tonnes

Powering a UK house: The average UK household uses 3,100 kWh/yr How much CO2e does an average house generate using different energy sources?

11 m

6.9 m 215 gCO2e/kWh

0.7 tonnes

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12 gCO2e/kWh

0.04 tonnes R

2.8 m

I GR

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L UC

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1.8 m

TV 2” / yr 3 D h

167

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IC 2,800 ge 80 era ng mi

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R r EF h/y G ID kW 427

E F ING DG RAT h / yr I FR A+ kW 0 20

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Appliances: Assuming the current grid is 215 gCO2e/kWh, how much CO2e do appliances produce per year?

LE 0 kW 5

G E N E R AT I O N C OM PA R I S O N S There are many different ways to generate energy, and the exhibition aims to showcase this. Top trumps cards were developed to demonstrate the variety, and also pros and cons of each type. Cards will be used to help zone the exhibition into different sections, and provide an overview to visitors.

5. The first player to collect all the cards wins.

4. The winner chooses the attribute for the next round.

5. The first player to collect all the cards wins.

) wins all the cards played and puts them in the bottom of their hand.

4. The winner chooses the attribute for the next round.

) wins all the cards played and puts them in the bottom of their hand.

The exhibition aims to use a mixture of technology and physical learning. For example, younger children could be given physical top trumps cards to fill out during their visit to the centre. Once these are filled in they could be taken home to play cards with. Older children could utilise a smartphones app to scan card QR codes and engage with the exhibits in more depth.

SCALE Another important part of the learning experience is understanding scale. A striking example of this is size of a wind turbine blade. Inspired by the Natural History Museum’s blue whale skeleton and CAT’s use of a wind turbine blade to create an energy transition timeline, the exhibition is designed to fit a 40m wind turbine blade.

SU S TA I NA B L E AG E N DA The building approach was integrated into its environmental and sustainable objectives. The key concepts of the scheme are based around the themes of ‘linking’ or ‘flow’. On a city-wide scale, the proposal aims to be a device to re-connect canal park. This is explored through restoring it’s link to water and making it more pedestrian friendly. The proposed scheme is for two distinct blocks - one existing and one new - with unifying elements linking them together. The existing building is like an umbrella, - protecting from sun, wind and rain, but not requiring heating or ventilation inputs. The new build is like a winter coat - breathabley ventilated, warm and protecting from the elements. In this respect the buildings are inverse of eachother and that was taken forward throughout the design, from material to structural treatment. The connection between buildings could be described as more conceptual, creating an exhibition journey as previously discussed. Or, it is the themes of energy, education and community that ultimately ties the scheme together. Alternatively, the connection is more literal and could be provided through the bridging elements, linking back to the water and flow.

L I V I N G BU I L D I N G As the building is focused on sustainable energy generation, its aim is to create an exemplar in the community, at the start of the new masterplan development, for what innovative sustainable approaches could be. For example, demonstrating how existing derelict warehouse structures could be adaptively reused.

The Living Building Challenge is recognised as one of the world’s most rigorous and ambitious green building standards. Run by the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), the certification focuses on regenerative design using seven categories (known as ‘petals’ where the building is represented overall as a flower).

The Living Building Challenge aims to create:

The Living Building Certification framework was used to create a basis for this project’s sustainable agenda. By using the seven petal categories to present the following section of this document, it will be demonstrated how a holistic approach to design was employed. This will demonstrate how the proposal integrates the sustainable agenda throughout every part of its design consideration.

Negative Environmental Impact

SU S TA I NA B L E

- A positive impact on human and natural systems.

H IG H SP E C

- Self-sufficient developments that remain within the resource limits of their site.

G R E E N D E SIG N

- Regenerative buildings that connect occupants to light, air, food, nature, and community.

BU I L D I N G R E G S

- Buildings that give more than they take.

Positive Environmental Impact L I V I N G BU I L D I N G C HA L L E N G E

Supporting a just and equitable world for all

Endorsing products that are safe for all species through time - Embodied

M AT E R IA L S

EQUIT Y

H E A LT H + HA P P I N E S S

Operate within the climate’s water balance

Creating environments that optimize physical and psychological health and well being

WAT E R

Landscape that restores a healthy interrelationship with nature

P L AC E

105% demand supplied through on-site renewables - Operational

ENERGY

Design that uplifts the human spirit, whilst inspiring, educating and motivating change

B E AU T Y

L I V I N G BU I L D I N G C HA L L E N G E

P ROP O S A L B E AU T Y P E TA L

E N E RG Y E D U C AT I O N C E N T R E The scheme creates an icon within Canal Park. It provides a gateway within the green and blue link between the city centre and Cardiff Bay. The warehouse presents an exploration of material and structural reuse, housing the majority of the energy exhibition space, whilst minimising carbon expenditure by leaving the space unconditioned. The new building aims to provide an exemplar of sustainable design, incorporating Passivhaus principles, low-carbon design and heat recovery ventilation. The scheme embraces the local and Welsh heritage of steel, but re-imagined in a sustainable way. Steel is integrated into the landscape, softened by planting and timber elements - similarly to the internal building material strategy. The project is enhanced by meeting the requirements of the Living Building Challenge - creating interweaving sustainable systems for landscape, energy, materials, water and the community.

W E S T- E AS T SE C T I O N 1:2000

650m away Cardiff Principality Stadium

Energy Education Centre

High rise city centre Fusion Point Offices

River Taff

1:2000

Trade St

100m

Curran Rd

Dumballs Rd

Sustainable Manufacturing

St Mary’s Primary School Noor El Islam Mosque

Canal Park Path

150m away Salvation Army

100m away St Mary’s Church

Tram

Central Park

CITY CENTRE 3 minute walk

3 minute walk

CARDIFF CENTRAL TRAIN STATION

RIVER

TAFF

2 minute walk

1 minute walk

2 minute walk

3 minute walk

1 minute walk

0m CARDIFF BAY 10 minute walk

5 minute walk

4 minute walk

3 minute walk

2 minute walk

4 minute walk

hurch

1 minute walk

5 minute walk

1.5 minute walk

Sustainable Manufacturing

C St Mary’s

100m

1:2500

K E Y RO U T E S

Pedestrian/Cycling and Vehicle Access

Public Transport and Parking

College Sports Pitches

Existing Access Retained

Sustainable Manufacturing

Back Access Car Park Area of existing warehouse removed Canal Park

Learning Gardens Canal Park Area of existing warehouse removed

swale

Energy Playground

swale

School Car Park h Astropitc Multi-use

chool

ont access School fr

Ar my

Greek Church

ion

St Mary’s Catholic Church

S St Mary’s

wetland

l Square

School Playground

Energy Centre Car Park

Sal vat

School MUGA

tral Arriva Cardiff Cen

Noor El Islam Mosque

swale

50m

1:1000

N O RT H - S O U T H SE C T I O N 1:1000 On a macro scale, the proposal aims to integrate into the city and enhance it’s existing networks. The green corridor of Canal Park from Cardiff Bay will be extended to meet the newly expanded Cardiff Central and link to the city centre. Park use will build on the existing sports and play themes, for example, introducing a new energy themed playground and multi-use astropitch for the adjacent St Mary’s School. From Cardiff Central down to Cardiff Bay, a swale network will be established to manage water and create resilience for future weather events, including drought and flood. Energy Education Centre (see next page) 150m away Cardiff College Cardiff Military College

Cardiff Bay

1:1000

Butetown Football Pitch

50m

One Canal Parade Offices

Fusion Point Offices

College Sports Pitches

Sustainable Manufacturing

Canal Parade

100m away Offices Lloyds Bank Offices

Proposed Masterplan Mixed-use Development

CANAL PARK

Energy Playground

SWALE

Callaghan Rd

Cardiff Central Arrival Square

Cardiff Central Station

City Centre 52

E AS T E L E VAT I O N 1:250

2 1 Vehicles

Cycles

Canal Parade

1:250

Swale

10m

Main Exhibition Warehouse

1. Existing Brick

2. Corrugated Steel

3. Corten

4. PV Panels

5. Translucent PVs

Productive Garden / Exhibition Courtyard

6. Timber Oak

Outdoor Cafe

South Entry

Bike Parking

North Entry

Energy Playground 54

E AST A P P ROAC H From the east, access is provided (adjacent to the school astropitch) from the car parking and St Mary’s road. The swale separates Canal Park path from the roadway, thus a footbridge is employed to allow pedestrians and cyclists over.

View looking across bridge approaching from the East (at night)

F RO N T S A N D BAC K S As the only building sited within Canal Park, the Energy Education Centre has a great presence when approached from the North or South. Additionally, the East approach is important as it links to the main entrance and provides access from the public car parking and nearest tram stop.

C A N A L PA R K

S O U T H A P P ROAC H From the south, pedestrians and cyclists have priority over the road to carry on up Canal Park path. Signage is provided for wayfinding and wind turbine exhibits are visible through the trees, creating intrigue.

View looking up Canal Park Path approaching from the South

S O U T H E L E VAT I O N 1:250

Sustainable Manufacturing

1:250

10m

Back Access

Main Exhibition Warehouse

Swale

Canal Park Path

Noor El Islam Mosque 58

N O RT H A P P ROAC H From the north, visitors approach the building along Canal Park path from Cardiff Central train station.

View looking down Canal Park Path approaching from the North

N O RT H E L E VAT I O N 1:250

Access from School and Astropitch

1:250

10m

Swale

Canal Park Path

North Entry

Energy Playground

Learning Gardens

New Mixed Use Development 60

ENTRANCE A key move within Canal Park is where the proposed swale and path intersect. This denotes the main entrance to the building and is also given significance by the building protruding into the path.

1:1000

50m

N O RT H E N T RY The corten clad entrance protrudes into the line of Canal Park path from the north, making the entrance to the building clear.

North entry during a rainy autumn evening

P U B L I C / P R I VAT E Z O N I N G The scheme is zoned such that public facing accommodation is positioned adjacent to the public pedestrian route at the east, and private accommodation is positioned to the west, with private access for staff and delivery vehicles.

PRIVATE

BACK OF HOUSE BACK OF HOUSE EXHIBITION

PUBLIC

PUBLIC VISITORS

1:1000

50m

EDUCATION

STAFF

S O U T H E N T RY The space outside the south entrance is enlarged for flexible use by community, such as markets. A kiosk hatch allows the cafe to serve not only visitors to the Energy Centre, but also people using Canal Park.

South entry during a warm spring lunch time

34 28

32 32

29 36 31

31 30

G RO U N D F L O O R 1 South Entry / Outdoor Cafe 2 Bike Parking 3 South Entry 12

14 20

Public

Back of House

Education

22 26

4 Exhibition

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

New Build Entrance Lobby Reception / Shop Till Shop Pram Store / Public Lockers Shop Store Flexi Exhibition Atrium Cafe Kitchen Storage Female WCs Male WCs Cleaning Store / Riser Baby Changing Accessible WC Changing Places WC Mixed Showers / WCs Plant Room Flexi Exhibition / Edu Gathering Atrium Lecture Theatre Lecture Theatre Under Stairs Plant Workshop Workshop Storage

26 27 28 29

Cafe Outdoor Covered Seating Kitchen Garden Orchard Rainwater Harvesting Tanks

30 31 32 33 34 35 36

Warehouse Entrance Main Exhibition Exhibition Pods Solar Water Tubes Storage Plant Mixed WCs 66

1:250

10m

22 20

23 18

FIRST FLOOR

7 9

5 6

Office

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

New Build Solar Exhibition Female WCs Male WCs Cleaning Store / Riser Baby Changing Accessible WC Staff Kitchen / Break Room Breakout Room Open-plan Office Storage Meeting Room Lockers / Cloak Room Mixed WCs Classroom 1 Classroom 2 Lecture Theatre

17 Bridge / Outdoor Solar Exhibition 18 Rainwater Harvesting Tanks Exhibition

Education

Back of House

19 20 21 22 23

Warehouse Main Exhibition Mezzanine Exhibition Pods Solar Water Tubes Plant Mixed / Accessible WCs

68 0m

1:250

10m

C I RC U L AT I O N The new building is zoned into 3 wider blocks with atriums for vertical circulation and WC facilities in between. The central of these is for entry, with reception and shop. The northern-most is for education use and the south for cafe and kitchen. Within the warehouse, the exhibition forms the majority, with WCs and plant to the north, close to the new building. The main circulation zones line N-S at the front and back of the building, and are zoned to be public or private facing.

Lifts Stairs 69

E X H I B I T I O N C I RC U L AT I O N

CLASS

CLASS HYDRO

SOLAR GEOTHERMAL

WIND

NUCLEAR

First Floor

WKSHOP

HYDRO

WAVE

WIND TIDAL

BIOMASS

CAFE

THEATRE

Ground Floor

Inconsistent Renewables

Predictable Renewables

Resources

Inconsistent Renewables

Education 70

U N D E R S TA N D I N G E N E RG Y To demonstrate the variety of ways energy can be produced, a series of ‘top trumps’ cards were created. Subsequently, each area of exhibition will display the appropriate energy card so users can make quick comparisons. The aim is to make clear to visitors that there is no one correct way to decarbonise the grid, but that each option has positives and negatives.

south-westerly wind

Ground Floor barrage community link?

Severn Barrage

tidal tank

potential link between biomass and outside

9m wave tank

external wind demonstration link

5. The first player to collect all the cards wins.

4. The winner chooses the attribute for the next round.

5. The first player to collect all the cards wins.

) wins all the cards played and puts them in the bottom of their hand.

4. The winner chooses the attribute for the next round.

) wins all the cards played and puts them in the bottom of their hand.

external water link to swale

M AX I M I SI N G SI T E Energy generation types were arranged to benefit from their natural position on site. For example, positioning those that require natural resources, such as wind or sun, in positions that can optimise their access to these and provide the maximum opportunity for practical demonstrations.

south sun

displays with more models + videos on first floor rather than ground floor that hosts more practical demonstrations

First Floor

external sun demonstration link water link and displays over both floors suspended wind turbine blade link to outdoor exhibit

south sun for PVs

potential for fossil fuel discussion within flexible / adaptable exhibition space

A V I SI T TO T H E E N E RG Y C E N T R E 1 Entrance lobby; take off your hat and store your umbrella. 2 Reception; “Good morning, tickets are free! Would you like a guidebook and map?” 3 Exhibition atriums; “Wow, it’s so interesting to learn what one kg of carbon dioxide actually looks like.” 4 Bridging across from the new build to the exhibition warehouse. 5 Warehouse exhibition; “Is that a wind turbine blade hanging from the ceiling? It’s huge!” 6 Classroom; “It’s so great to use this space for my Butetown knitting club every Tuesday evening!”

5 6

4 1

S O U T H FAC A D E

The new building was developed to optimise its environmental design. For example, to meet the Passivhaus and LETI requirements, the south elevation maximises solar gains through glazing but has a glazing ratio of under 40% to avoid overheating. The bridge element also provides solar shading during peak high level sun. This also allows visitors to view and interact with the building’s actual solar panels as part of the solar energy exhibition. Tallest elements are orientated to the north to avoid overshadowing, such as the lecture theatre, and providing an educational link between the city and the scheme.

Solar panels on the roof form part of the solar exhibit, when viewed from the bridge.

N E W BU I L D S O U T H E L E VAT I O N 1:250

Sustainable Manufacturing

1:250

10m

Productive Garden / Exhibition Courtyard

Swale

Canal Park Path

Wetland 76

N O RT H FAC A D E

The north elevation of the warehouse is designed to incorporate rainwater harvesting tanks behind the cladding. The entrance doors are recessed into the facade using corten detailing to match the landscaping and new building. On this elevation, it is clear the bridging elements and material connections between the two buildings.

View from Canal Park Path looking towards the north of the warehouse

WA R E H O U SE N O RT H E L E VAT I O N 1:250

St Mary’s School Playground Noor El Islam Mosque

1:250

10m

Canal Park Path

Swale

Main Exhibition Warehouse

Back Access

Sustainable Manufacturing 78

WA R E H O U SE P H YSI C A L M O D E L Section at 1:50

WA R E H O U SE E X H I B I T I O N

6 12

First Floor 1:500

The open space created by warehouse portal frame structures lends itself well for reuse as exhibition space. The main space is embraced and left open, providing opportunities to display large exhibits. The circulation is designed for visitors to freeflow around the space, but to choose to enter ‘pods’, where they can learn in depth about a specific topic - tailoring the experience to individual needs. Some pods are closed off to contain noise (eg: playing a video), but some are left open (eg: an interactive model display). Some notable parts of the exhibition include: 1 2 3 4 5

2 7

5 1 4

Ground Floor 1:500

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Biomass generator model Model of Wales, highlighing potential of sea power 9m long wave tank Tidal demonstration tank Debate zone: pods show pros and cons of the Severn Barrage, with a voting booth in between Hydro power, water pumped to the reservoir up by a human hamster wheel and falls to turn turbine Model of the Severn Barrage VR Severn Barrage experience 40m wind turbine blade, suspended VR wind turbine experience Interactive model Video on nuclear power Geothermal video

Pod Type A: Ground floor, internal Pod Type B: Ground floor, external walls

1:500

20m

Pod Type C: First floor, internal Pod Type D: First floor, external walls 80

G RO U N D F L O O R P O D S

A: THEMED INFOGRAPHICS

B: INTERACTIVE MODEL

internal wall

external wall

FIRST FLOOR PODS

C: SHORT FILM SCREENING

D: VR EXPERIENCE

internal wall

external wall

MEZZANINE

The mezzanine within the warehouse was designed to make use of the tall space, whilst not encroaching on the space below. This was done by employing 3.5m floor to floor, creating generous space above and below. There is also the opportunity to utilise the mezzanine to create playful moments - such as utilising the spanning timber beams as monkeybars or introducing netted areas. Learning through play forms a wider part of the project strategy - a device such as a firemans pole can be used to demonstrate stored potential energy converting into falling kinetic energy.

A suspended wind turbine blade within the warehouse

Sectional 1:50 Warehouse Model: Mezzanine with perforated corten guarding 84

U N I F Y I N G D E TA I L S 1 2 3 4

Bridging Perforated Corten Stepped Seating Energy Grid

Canal Parade

1:250

Swale

Main Exhibition Warehouse

10m

N O RT H - S O U T H SE C T I O N 1:250

1 3

Productive Garden / Exhibition Courtyard

Cafe

Flexible Exhibition Atrium

Reception / Shop

Education Gathering Atrium

Lecture Theatre

Energy Playground 86

1: BRIDGING The strongest element tying the scheme together is the materiality and the use of bridging. Bridges take the form of: the mezzanine used with the adaptive reuse of the warehouse; the bridge path at ground floor and first within the courtyard between buildings as part of the exhibition circulation; and bridging within the landscape, including the guarding detail to the swale. The detail of bridging takes the form of a steel frame (coloured similarly to corten), with spanning timber in between. The guarding may differ, for example using infill corten railings, as opposed to perforated panels of corten, but the balustrading is always timber. This is to soften the industrial nature of the scheme, by providing a warm material to touch, to a create a detail carried into both buildings and the landscape.

Bridge over wetland and swale between new building and warehouse

2 : P E R F O R AT I O N S Perforated corten details have been introduced within both buildings and the landscape to create continuity within the scheme.

Warehouse: Perforated corten panels

Landscape: Guarding with perforated corten infill

New Building: Perforated corten cladding to atriums

3 : S T E P P E D SE AT I N G In the warehouse, seating is more tactile, made from OSB and incorporating play elements, such as a slide. Whereas, within the new building, the steps are used for gathering and are made of plywood. Both are also functional for accommodating larger groups, such as providing school classes with an indoor picnic area.

Warehouse: Steps used for play and to integrate with exhibition

New Building: Steps used for gathering outside educational facilities

4 : E N E RG Y G R I D The floor throughout the exhibition will be used to aid visitor circulation, and assist them in wayfinding along the designed for route. It also represents on a larger scale, the movement of energy from generation to consumption - facilitated through the grid. Special lighting design could also help achieve this.

Energy exhibition: Markings on the floor form part of circulation and represent the flow of energy

E N E RG Y E N E R G Y P E TA L

E N E RG Y ST R AT E G Y The building aim is to be as energy efficient as possible, creating a precedent for nearby developments and inspiring the general public, as per the Living Building Challenge. 1 A heat exchange unit connects the building network into the district heat network. 2 The new building is heating via underfloor heating. 3 Roof design has been optimised for solar panels, at 30 degree pitches and orientated to the south. 4 Excess energy from solar panels is also stored in batteries or fed into the grid. 5 Solar panels retrofitted onto warehouse roof. 6 Potential for solar water tubes to feed into district heat network. 7 Wind turbine exhibit displays are positioned to the south of the site, benefiting from south-westerly winds. Any renewable energy generated can be used within the building or fed into the district network. 8 The project forms part of the district heat network, supplying energy back into it and using it to provide energy when needed. 9 During high water storm events, there is potential for turbines within the swale to be used to control water flow and generate energy.

8 7

5 6

1 4

2 3

50m

1:1000

P R E D I C T E D E N E RG Y U SE The energy use within the new building was predicted by referring to LETI targets. The most similar building type to the scheme is the schools target of 65kWh/m2yr. However, as this is a maximum target it is hoped this could represent a worst case, and that actual performance could be lower.

NEW BUILD WAREHOUSE

The warehouse energy use was calculated considering that it is unconditioned, so requires no heating or ventilation and assuming that it was only operational an average of 8am-8pm daily.

kWh / m2 yr

The Living Building Challenge requires project design to be ‘zero ready’ through strategies such pre-installing wiring and large plant rooms. This is to allow for future installation of renewable energy systems. During construction the district heat network connection will be installed, despite the masterplan network being built after the Energy Education Centre is already open.

Lighting

Hot Water (basins only)

Plugloads

MVHR

UF Heating

Space Heat (if required)

Lighting

Hot Water

Plugloads

Another energy requirement of the Living Building Challenge is developing a ‘resilience strategy’. This is to allow the building to be habitable for one week in a disaster, providing support for the local community, through the use of batteries, storage etc. Combined with the water strategy, the proposal is well suited to providing a hub for communities during crisis events, but also on a daily basis.

Energy use intensity comparisons (kWh/m2year): 140

Part L Average

New Build Warehouse

SUNRISE

ld Bu i Ne w

Energy produced (kWh)

P V PA N E L S O N P L A N

e us o eh ar W

MIDDAY

SUNSET

Daily solar panels production cycle

WAREHOUSE

1:500

93 GSEducationalVersion GSPublisherVersion 44.54.72.41

NEW BLOCK

25m

TOTAL GENERATED

TOTAL DEMAND

From October to February the PV generation will not be able to meet the supply, because there are fewer sunlight hours and higher heating/lighting load requirements. In this time energy will need to be sourced from battery storage or the local grid.

35,000 30,000 WAREHOUSE

However, in March to September, there will be a surplus of supply, meaning energy can be sold back to the grid, fed back into the local district energy network or stored in batteries.

25,000 Energy (kWh)

P H OTOVO LTA I C E N E RG Y

20,000 15,000 10,000

The western orientation of the warehouse solar panels reduces their efficiency and delays their peak daily production to later in the day. This has been considered in calculations and stresses the importance of batteries.

NEW BLOCK

5,000

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

Energy generated by PVs in comparison to anticipated demand WAREHOUSE SUPPLY

385

DEMAND

NEW BUILD SUPPLY

514

DEMAND

PV PANELS

kWh / m2 yr

PV PANELS

kWh / m2 yr

101,000

77,700

158,600

145,300

kWh / yr

130% of energy demand supplied on net annual basis

kWh / yr generated

DEC

The Living Building Challenge specifies that 105% of the energy demand on a net annual basis is supplied through on site renewables. The projections mean the building exceeds this requirement.

kWh / yr

109% of energy demand supplied on net annual basis

Standard 1m x 1.6m PV panel 94

W I N D P OW E R As wind turbines provide a key part to the exhibition to the south, it is possible that model used for demonstrations could be used to produce energy. One small turbine with a 2m radius could approximately produce 1kWh/m2 per year. As the new build energy demand is predicted annually as 65kWh/m2, then careful positioning and selecting of wind turbines could provide a significant contribution to this. Wind has the benefit of being stronger in winter, when solar panels are less productive, creating good energy resiliency.

250W

Power in average annual Cardiff winds of 16km/h

2,190

Operational 24 hours, 365 days a year

One turbine could approximately produce

small wind turbine

kWh/year

kWh/m /year 2

Wind turbines displayed towards the south of the site

P RO D U C T I V E E N E RG Y L A N D S C A P E

LANDSCAPE P L A C E P E TA L

C A NA L PA R K The scheme builds on the existing network of Canal Park. This includes park uses of play, education and sport, with an overarching theme of added community and social value. The uses mapped below are all existing (exclusing the Energy Education Centre proposal), so demonstrates the basis on which Canal Park could be expanded.

Swale ends in wetland Cardiff Bay

Hamadryad Playground

Esplanade Playground

Wildlife Trusts Wales

Mnt Stuart Primary School

Canal Park Basketball Court

Forest School Area

Canal Park Playground

Butetown Community Centre

Cardiff College Sports Centre

Butetown Football Club

St Mary’s Astropitch

St Mary’s Primary School

Energy Playground

250m

1:5000 97

C A NA L PA R K PAT H Along the eastern elevation of building, the swale is used to create a natural boundary to contain the flow of people. Adjacent to the path, guarding is required to prevent falling off the steep edge, but in other areas the ground has been gradually graded to avoid the need for fencing. The path is 6m wide to allow two flows of active travel (cycling, scootering, skateboarding, etc) and pedestrians to have plenty of room to share the space.

Swale creates a natural site boundary

Section A-A

Swale used to hide fencing to astropitch

A B

Section B-B

Swale overflows under astropitch during high water events

H UM A N S C A L E L I V I N G Aligning with the Canal Park strategy, the ‘human scale living’ component of the Place Petal of the Living Building Challenge intends to create walkable, pedestrianoriented communities that reduce the use of fossil fuel vehicles. All projects must support a human-powered lifestyle, for example by providing weather-protected storage for bicycles and shower and changing facilities. Another requirement is to provide at least two electric vehicle charging stations. A key consideration is the enhancement of pedestrian routes. This experience can be aided and made more pleasant with wayfinding. Devices such as signage can be constructed out of corten as it is versatile for outdoor use. As a strategy to connect the whole of Canal Park, corten elements can become stronger on the approach to the building, for example, introducing it in street furniture or as decals for orientation on the floor. Street lighting for improved safety is also important.

HA B I TAT E XC HA N G E A requirement of the Place Petal is to offset some of the environmental impact of the project by investing and protecting habitat elsewhere. This is in addition to the banning of building on greenfield sites, wilderness, prime farmland or in a floodplain. The offset amount is required to be equal to the site area (9,000m2 or 0.9 hectares) and set aside through an approved Land Trust organisation. Interestingly, the amounts of land suggested to offset the whole life embodied carbon of the scheme by the FCBS Carbon Tool is over 4 times the site area (see Materials section for more information).

FCBS Carbon Tool: New building carbon offsetting

FCBS Carbon Tool: Warehouse retrofit carbon offsetting

100

C O N N E C T I N G C O U RT YA R D The two buildings are connected by bridging elements and the courtyard between them. The aim of the Place Petal is to protect wild and ecologically significant places, encourage ecological regeneration and enhance function of the communities and places where projects are built. A key component of this is the Urban Agriculture imperative. The intent of this requirement is to integrate opportunities for connecting the community to locally grown fresh food. A portion of the site must be dedicated to growing food - the size of which depends on the urban or rural transect and the ability to provide to weekly community access to healthy local food. No petrochemical fertilizers or pesticides can be used for the operation and maintenance of the on-site landscape, including urban agriculture. Therefore, much of the site it left with wilder, low maintenance planting - such as the swale and wetland areas.

101

View looking towards the new building across the orchard and kitchen garden

U R BA N AG R I C U LT U R E

220m 2

140m 2

As the allocated agriculture area does not quite meet the 5% requirement, a community food need must be addressed. This will be provided through a farmers market in the gathering space outside the south entrance, easily accessible off the Canal Park route.

1 Wildflower Orchard: local Welsh fruit trees 2 Kitchen Garden: Herbs; Vegetables (eg: carrots and cucumbers); Fruits (eg: tomatoes); and Brassica (eg: broccoli and cauliflower) 3 Garden into Kitchen 4 Kitchen into Cafe 5 Rainwater tanks for irrigation 6 Path for gardening access 7 Wetland and swale; wild planting 8 Southern entry area to be used for community farmers market

9000m 2

Total site area

450m 2

5% of site area

Site used for agriculture

180m 2

Site used for agriculture if weekly community access provided

360m 2

Area provided for urban agriculture

2% of site area 8

Proportion of site area must be dedicated to agriculture

4% of site area

10m

1:250 102

LEARNING LANDSCAPE The Living Building Challenge aims to provide places for occupants to gather and connect with the community. The strategy for the landscape north of the building is to create a variety of ways to inspire visitors and promote education. Habitats also transform along this transect to adapt to the learning style designed for. 1 Along Canal Park path, small exhibits used as street furniture can be used to spark intrigue. However, the space is mainly designed for free learning and exploring - for example, playing in the swale and building a dam out of rocks. 2 The Energy Playground provides a transition between completely unregulated learning and controlled teaching. During play, equipment can provide information about movement, energy transfer, etc, without users even realising it. The perimeter is also fenced off for security. 3 Adjacent to the workshop and secure from the public, the Learning Gardens are used for classes, such as taking a school group to construct a model wind turbine. The forest school environment lends itself to creativity and building with natural materials. woodland

stream

103

1. Swale: Wetland scrub areas adjacent to the canal park path can be used for play

2. Energy Playground: Corten and timber play equipment with themes of water

3. Learning Gardens: Forest area used for building experimentation

104

WAT E R WA T E R P E T A L

WAT E R M A NAG E M E N T The scheme forms part of a proposed city-wide strategy, designed to increase resilience to future weather condition. This includes storing water for use in times of drought and implementing flood-mitigation measures.

1 The swale originates at the newly extended Cardiff Central train station, linking to the city centre. 2 The adjacent school astropitch can be used to attenuate water underneath during storm events. 3 Following a storm event, the water underneath the astropitch can be slowly released back into the swale. 4 At the intersection of routes and near the building entrance, the swale grows, allowing more wetland habitats and also more bridging elements. This also helps reduce overflow risk during high water levels by avoiding tight corners. 5 Rainwater is harvested for greywater use from the new building in a large underground ‘stormsaver’ tank. This can be accessed in the car park via hatch. 6 There is a symmetry between the short elevations of the warehouse, whereby they both embrace water. Rainwater harvesting tanks are incorporated into the north facade for irrigation. 7 The south facade is highly glazed so internal solar water tubes can absorb free heat from the sun. 8 Utilisation of the swale and wetland planting creates a natural boundary to the site. 9 The swale continues down Canal Park, reducing run off and flood risk for adjacent buildings all the way down to Cardiff Bay.

105

5 8 9

2 3

50m

1:1000

MAINS WATER

S C H E M E WAT E R C YC L E

HOT WATER

The approach to water was based on the two ‘Water Petal’ imperatives of the Living Building Challenge: ‘Responsible Water Use’ and ‘Net Positive Water’. The Challenge recognises “water as a precious resource, minimizing waste and the use of potable water, while avoiding downstream impacts and pollution” 1. For example, it requires that no potable water be used for nonpotable uses, such as irrigation. Captured precipitation should be maximised.

AL D R AI

NAG E

WC FLUSHING

NAT UR

IRRIGATION SHOWERS

BASINS SEWAGE

HARVESTED RAINWATER

GREY WATER

BLACK WATER

REEDBED FILTRATI ON

S WA L E

SLOWS RUN OFF

Net positive water does not mean the project needs to produce more water than it consumes. Instead, it means the scheme should be provide ‘regenerative force’ in the area, restoring developed land to its pre-developed hydrology. For example, this has been done by removing hard impervious surfaces, such as the road, and introducing the natural swale path, similar to a stream. This also links back to the pre-1970s, when instead of a hard road, there was the Glamorganshire Canal. Within a rural context the Living Building Challenge requires all grey and black water to be treated on site and all water to be supplied in a closed-loop system. However, the challenge recognises that site constraints within an urban context and presence of existing infrastructure can mean connection to a community or local network can be more efficient - as is the case with this project. Non-potable water (not drinkable) - grey water Non-potable water (sewage) - black water Potable (hot) water

NEW BUILDING RAINWATER TANKS

Rainwater

1. https://living-future.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/WaterPetal_ PermittingGuidebook_FINAL.pdf

WAREHOUSE RAINWATER TANK

106

R A I N WAT E R C O L L E C T I O N

Total tank capacity size for rainwater collection 160,000 140,000

The rainwater tank in the warehouse north facade was sized based on the annual predicted rainfall of 1,043 mm in Cardiff. Rainwater collected on the warehouse roof will be used purely for garden irrigation.

Total potential collected rainwater

163,000

Maximum rainwater tank capacity

litres

times/year

Tank filled per year, storing 2 to 3 months of rain

Garden requirements for growing 1

litres/m2/week

1250

litres/m2/year

780

100,000 80,000

Anticipated rainwater collected per month

60,000

978,000 litres/year

Water (litres)

120,000

40,000 20,000

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

Rainwater collection by month (warehouse)

Orchard and kitchen garden measure 360m2, so there is sufficient watering capacity

1. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/aug/22/six-ways-to-save-waterin-your-garden

107

AUG

Rainwater harvesting tanks concealed behind the undulating corrugated steel panels (1:200)

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

500,000

WAT E R R E Q U I R E M E N T S

Anticipated water use per month 450,000 400,000

Water (litres)

350,000

The roof of the new building will also be used to harvest rainwater, however this water will be used for nonpotable use within the building and within WCs in the warehouse.

300,000 250,000

The predicted water requirement was calculated by using precedents. Part G stipulates that buildings use less than 125 litres/person/day. However, it is hoped that as people are not residing within the building overnight, this number could be bettered significantly.

200,000 150,000 100,000 50,000 JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Rainwater collection by month (new building)

litres/person/day

500

people/day

5,475,000 litres/year

Predicted building water demand

1,032,000 litres/year

Total potential collected rainwater

Visitors per day

Predicted building water demand

19%

Predicted building water demand provided by rain for non-potable use

According to BS6700:1998, the following are recommended for cold water storage: - Nursery or primary school: 15 litres/pupil/day - Secondary or technical school: 20 litres/pupil/day - Office: 45 litres/employee/day (Note: these values all include canteen facilities) As education centre, an average value of these was taken as a predicted usage of 30 litres/person/day. The occupancy was predicted as 500 people, but this could be seen as maximum worst case value, and as an overestimation. Especially considering that the non-domestic 2030 target in the RIBA Challenge puts potable water use as less than 10 litres/person/day. Other measures will include using water-efficient plumbing fixtures and appliances, such as dual flush WCs, to minimise water use.

108

WAT E R P L AY

There are intrinsic links between water and energy. Historically, this link is demonstrated by the canal and, but also in terms of steam and modern generation. Water is inherently playful, so learning about energy through the movement of water is intrinsic. This can be seen right back to images of children playing on the Glamorganshire Canal and timber ponds, despite the danger. One of the advantages of leaving the warehouse unconditioned and its industrial, tactile qualities, is the ability to embrace water freely, without the worry of how messy it could be. Plus, the mass of some of these water features, such as the wave tanks, could be used to provide a cooling effect in summer.

109

WAT E R A N D SU N

To maximise the solar potential from the southern elevation of the warehouse, it is opened up to be highly glazed. The unconditioned environment of the warehouse allows for more experimental opportunities to explore water and energy than if the building was highly sealed and airtight.

Warehouse Sectional Model (1:50): South Elevation

110

S O L A R WAT E R T U B E S

As well as the exhibits themselves, the internal conditions of the building aim to give visitors an experience and understanding of energy movement. Inspired by the idea of a trombe wall, tubes of water will be used to absorb the sun’s heat and radiate it back into the space. There is also the potential for the tubes to feed into the district heat network and extract excess heat using a heat pump.

111

People experiencing solar water tubes within the south of the warehouse

Tubes accessible from top for monitoring

at he m fro n su

circulating heat by convection

Lighting in top of tube

radiating heat

no natural light

TRADITIONAL TROMBE WALL

Sun-lite thermal storage tubes (Salt Lake City, 2015)

Heat from the sun is collected in air between glazing and the trombe wall. The free heat can then be circulated through the building, often requiring fans or similar mechanisms to drive air movement. The trombe wall is made of thermally massive material so can also radiate heat into the space at night. However, materials with high thermal mass (such as concrete or stone) do not let any natural light through.

cooler water

heat radiating into space water heated by the sun

radiating heat

natural light

SOLAR WATER TUBES Water has a specific heat capacity over 4 times greater than concrete. Thus, in theory it should be a much better at absorbing heat from the sun. Water tubes would take heat from the sun and radiate it back into the space, without any requirement for fans. It would also provide a translucent material with interesting opportunities for lighting.

water could be dyed to increase absorption

water cycled back in to heat pump and exchanger

Diagrammatic water tube section (NTS)

112

E N V I RON M E N TA L H E A LT H P E TA L

SUM M E R S T R AT E G Y Warehouse 1:100 1 South west facing solar panels 2 Fold up panels used for east shading if needed 3 Large fold up panels to allow natural ventilation 4 Openable louvred panels in pods for natural ventilation 5 Rooflights openable to drive natural ventilation 6 Bottom grill to ventilate pod 7 Top grill to ventilate pod 8 Roof grill to ventilate pod

9 Valley gutter to rainwater storage for irrigation 10 Fold up panels uesd to direct rainwater into swale

5 2

5 9

7 6

1:100

W I N T E R S T R AT E G Y Warehouse 1:100 1 South west facing solar panels 2 Natural daylighting 3 4 5 6

Ambient heating from lights and exhibit displays Pods constructed of SIPs People movement generates heat Pod heat tempers unconditioned warehouse

7 Valley gutter to rainwater storage for irrigation 8 Excess storm rainwater directed into swale 9 Louvred panels closed

7 4 6 2 5

3 4

P E R F O R AT E D PA N E L S

Corten steel panels will be used along the warehouse east elevation to assist with ventilation and lighting. The next spread demonstrates a variety of scenarios in which doors, windows and panels can be used to get natural light or fresh air into the space. Perforations also create interesting patterns when viewed from the outside during the evening, helping with safety and streetlighting.

115

View looking East towards warehouse from Canal Park Path (at night)

Wyckoff Exchange, Andre Kikoski Architects (New York, 2011)

Panel open. Windows and doors closed.

116

GSEducationalVersion GSPublisherVersion 40.55.73.41

C L O SE D PA N E L

Panel, windows and doors closed.

Windows open. Panel and doors closed.

117

GSEducationalVersion GSPublisherVersion 40.55.73.41

on 40.55.73.41

O P E N PA N E L

Panel and windows open. Doors closed.

Panel, windows and doors open.

118

P E R F O R AT I O N S

Warehouse Section 1:50 Model: Perforated Ballustrading

119

Warehouse Section 1:50 Model: Perforated Panels

S O L A R SHA D I N G Passivhaus Standards recommend that the proportion of rooflight openings is less than 10% of the floor area. This is to avoid overheating. In response to this both buildings have been designed to meet this requirement. Rooflights covering 10% of the floor area also provides an average of 200 Lux, creating a balance between overheating and natural daylighting. Within the warehouse, 10% rooflight cover is provided by 125 1.6m2 rooflights. Solar shading diagrams also demonstrate the functionality of solar panels throughout the majority of the day.

Summer Solstice, 3pm

Spring Equinox, 7am

Winter Solstice, 3pm

Spring Equinox, 12 noon

Spring Equinox, 5pm

120

LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS According to BS EN 12464-1:2021 (Light and lighting: Lighting of work places Indoor work places) some example Lux requirements for different uses are: 750 Lux - Technical drawing 500 Lux - Classrooms and Offices 100 Lux - Corridor Some of this could be achieved with natural light but as an exhibition and education facility, appropriate lighting forms a key part of the experience. 500+

250

Lux levels

Louvre

Glazing

Louvre

Pod plan: 250 lux average over room 121

300 lux 15 W

lightbulb

650 bulbs would provide 300 lux within the given warehouse area

3.2W/m 2

The LETI maximum is 4.5W/m

lighting load

0.5W/m 2 plugloads

6m 2

per person

~150 Watts

100

Expected occupancy in a museum would be 500 people Generated by a person standing, doing light work or walking

500

people

5W/m 2

25W/m 2

heat generated

POD CONDITIONING

Museum requirement

LETI typical value for electrical ICT/AV loads

In winter, heat can be generated purely by using people, electrical loads and lighting. Internal gains could be used to heat pods and then temper the unconditioned warehouse space. Directly heating the pods would cause unnecessary embodied carbon (running services throughout the mezzanine) and operational carbon (running heating) - thus, this solution is more in keeping with the environmental ethos. In summer the building risks overheating. Part L states that if the design solar load exceeds 25W/m2, then this is an issue. At high occupancy an effective ventilation strategy to pods is needed. Part O stipulates that (without cross ventilation) the minimum free area is 12%. This means that each pod needs at least 2.7m2 of clear ventilation opening. This is obtained by the opening louvres externally. For internal pods, grills can be opened to drive air through the space and back out into the unconditioned warehouse or out through roof grills.

8.7W/m 2

Total internal gains Typical case (occupancy of 100 people)

28.7W/m 2

Total internal gains 0m

1:50

Assumed highest case (occupancy of 500 people) 122

SUM M E R S T R AT E G Y New Build 1:140 (scaled to fit page) 1 Directly south facing solar panels 2 Roof positioned to give visitors view of solar panels 3 Mezzanine creates solar shading 4 5 6 7 8

Large openings to drive natural ventilation Rooflights openable to drive natural ventilation Through ventilation driven by rooflights and east louvres Potential to naturally ventilate in summer through grills Driving wind direction

9 Rainwater collected in underground tank for greywater

1 8 7

5 2 3

1:140

W I N T E R S T R AT E G Y New Build 1:140 (scaled to fit page) 1 Directly south facing solar panels 2 Roof positioned to give visitors view of solar panels 3 Mezzanine creates solar shading 4 Triple glazing (U-values < 0.8 W/m2K) 5 Underfloor heating 6 U values of < 0.15 W/m2K and high airtightness of < 0.6ach at 50Pa 7 MVHR air supplied through ducts in the first floor from the back of building and central plant room 8 Under seat ventilation 9 Service trunking 10 Rainwater collected in underground tank for greywater

4 2

124

AC O U ST I C S

As the lecture theatre will be used to deliver talks, rather than for singing or performing purposes, the reverberation time should be reduced to meet educational purposes. For classrooms, the recommended reverberation time is 0.4 – 1.0 seconds and for a lecture hall 0.7 - 1.2 seconds 1. To achieve this, CLT boards and timber acoustic panels will be used within the new block. The lecture theatre and workshop are arguably the most acoustically challenging spaces to design. Both been located to the north of the plan, bounding external walls, to minimise adjacencies to other rooms. Soft furnishings and carpets within offices and classrooms will also help to reduce transmission. Similarly, timber elements, such as SIPs help to insulate from sound and impact noise in the exhibition warehouse. Part E guidance will be adhered to to achieve specified dB values, protecting against airborne sound insulation and impact sound insulation. The lecture theatre has been designed for a capacity of 150. This was based on a standard school class of 30, including teachers. The front row includes removable seats to accommodate wheelchair users or prams. Similarly, the back row can also be taken out and is accessible via lift.

1. https://commercial-acoustics.com/reverberation-time-graphic/

125

Staff delivering a talk to the local community within the lecture theatre

BU I L D I N G U SE The building usually has low occupancy in the evenings and is closed overnight, demonstrating the need for reduced ventilation, lighting and heating requirements at night. Occasionally, the flexible-use spaces, such as the exhibition warehouse, can be hired out of hours for events. Therefore, the building management strategy needs to adapt to this variation.

9am

12noon

3pm

Exhibition

6pm

9pm

Special evening event eg: wedding reception

3am

6am

Public

Cafe

12midnight

Exhibition

6am

Shop Special evening talk eg: Severn Barrage debate

Classroom 1 Classroom 2 Workshop

School program eg: solar power seminar

Community use eg: knitting club

Education

Lecture Theatre

Workshop drop ins eg: build a model turbine

Maintenance Office

Special evening event eg: wedding reception catering

Back of House

Reception / Security

Kitchen

126

P L A N T RO OM S Due to the adaptive retrofit of the existing warehouse structure, the concrete floor will be retained in situ. Therefore, the ground floor cannot be used to distribute services. Instead, the underside of the mezzanine will be used. Service requirements are not as intense in the warehouse as the new build. The warehouse exhibition will require services carrying electric and data, and water will only need to be supplied to toilets adjacent to the plant room. In the new build, as well as electric and data, ventilation and heating services are required. Ductwork can be supplied in the first floor or roof, whereas heating can be supplied underfloor, and service such as electricwork carried within stud walls. The plan stacks so that WCs line up and water is only required in spaces at the back (west of the plan), such as kitchen, workshop and WCs.

1 2

Water requirement

Ground Floor Plan

127

3 6

2 3

Warehouse plant room: 90 m2

New build plant room: 98 m2

1. Heat Exchange Unit 2. Cold Water 3. Data 4. Battery Storage 5. Greywater Recycling + Sanitation

Services distributed in mezzanine Plant rooms and risers

Ventilation ducts in first floor Heating via UF heating

Lecture Theatre plant room: ~ 45 m2 6. Air handling unit under seats

MVHR units in first floor/roof

BU I L D I N G SE RV I C E S 1 1 Solar panels and battery storage 2 Ducts carried in service corridor ceiling 3 Heat Exchange Unit (HUI) feeding into local district heat network 4 Lighting services travelling in ceiling 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

1 2

Driving prevailing wind MVHR: Fresh air intake MVHR: Supply air MVHR: Extract air MVHR: Exhaust air Underfloor heating WC stacking for water / sanitation requirements

1 3

Summer Strategy 1:200 In winter, MVHR takes the heat from spaces at the back of the block (such as kitchen, workshop and showers) and recovers it for use in cooler spaces (such as exhibition, offices and cafe). Fresh air is drawn in using the driving wind and passed through a heat exchanger to provide fresh warm air. Warm, moist air is extracted and passed through the heat exchanger to recover it’s heat before being exhausted out of the building. MVHR units are located either in the ceiling above WCs or in service cupboards for easier access. The system should be designed to supply 30m3/h/person and air flow in ducts of 1.5 m/s to 3 m/s, as per Passivhaus requirements, and have the ability to adapt to varying occupation levels.

2 11

7 10

Winter Strategy 1:200

10m

1:200

S T RU C T U R E + DE TA I L M AT E R I A L S P E TA L

T I M B E R A N D ST E E L The building material strategies were informed by environmental carbon considerations and also the idea that they are ‘inverse’ to each other. The existing warehouse is bound by the existing steel portal frame and corrugated cladding but has timber details within it, such as the SIPs pods and mezzanine. The new building is made of timber glulam frame and interior finishes, but is clad in corten steel.

Reuse - Steel Portal Frames

Ground Floor - Structural Grid

129

New - Glulam Portal Frames

WA R E H O U SE S T RU C T U R E

1. Existing portal frames

The warehouse existing steel portal frame is retained and coated in fire-resistant paint. The mezzanine steel structure is piled into the existing retained concrete slab. SIPs are used to form pods within the frame. Where the mezzanine is not occupied by pods, timber beams will span between the the steel structure to support the timber floor.

2. Mezzanine steel beams and columns

3. SIPs pods

130

WA R E H O U SE D E TA I L SE C T I O N 1:50

131

2 3

132

1:50

D E TA I L S 1:20

3 2 2

1: Mezzanine detail 1. Timber and corten steel balustrade 2. Steel C section 3. Timber spanning between steel frame

133

2: Valley roof connection 1. Large gutter with falls 1:60 to collect rainwater at the north elevation of the warehouse 2. Reused corrugated steel panels on roof 3. Insulation and membrane to avoid damp and noise getting into structure even though warehouse is ‘unconditioned’

3: External wall and roof connection 1. Louvred panel for pod ventilation 2. Pods formed out of SIPs

P O D C O N S T RU C T I O N

Pods have been designed to suit the standard sizes of SIPs panels. Pre-fabrication will speed up construction on site, with panel openings pre-cut and services/wiring pre-installed. SIPs will be left exposed internally, adding to the industrial aesthetic of the warehouse and helping absorb sound.

SIPs in elevation Exposed construction SIPs internally

Example of SIPs spanning similar distance as flooring max. 6m tall

1.2m wide

220mm panel depth

SIPs House, David Barr Architects (Perth, 2018)

SIPs pre-fabricated with opening and services installed

Pod plan with SIPs 134

F O U N DAT I O N S Topsoil brown sandy silt

Made ground brown silty sandy clay

The ground around the site is predominantly clay, silt and sand due to tidal silt deposits from the River Taff before the Bay Barrage was constructed. Therefore, the lose ground lends itself to the use of pile foundations to create stability. Piles used could be smaller than traditional larger versions as the building is low rise and to help reduce material use. The foundations in the existing warehouse are assumed to be sufficient, especially due to the large, thick reinforced concrete slab. Where the mezzanine steel structure is erected, each column is mini-piled into the existing slab and this is used to create stability. Investigations would need to be carried out on site before work commences to ensure conditions are adequate.

Examples of pile foundations Dark brown grey laminated clay silt

Brown fine sand to coarse gravel

Grey sandy coarse flat gravel cobbles

Red sandy silty clay and marl

Silty, clay soil 135

10 metre deep borehole

T I M B E R S T RU C T U R E

The glulam portal frames are supported by leaning onto the adjacent frame. The wider frames span 10m, with 7m spans in the atriums. The portals are braced using CLT panels and beams, out of which the floors span out of. The intermediate first floor is supported off the portal frames and centred columns, and has a depth to allow ducts and services to run within it. On top of the frame, roof battens support the roof build up.

1. Glulam Portal Frames

2. Bracing

3. Floor and Columns

4. Roof Battens

136

N E W BU I L D D E TA I L SE C T I O N 1:65 (originally 1:50, scaled to fit to page)

A A

1:65

137

B 3m

138

D E TA I L S 1:20

2 1 2

139

1: External wall and roof connection above door

2: Valley roof connection

1. Concealed hidden gutter 2. Corten rainscreen cladding on roof and walls 3. Glazing as appropriate - low U-value of < 0.8 W/m2K (Triple glazing) to meet Passivhaus Standards

1. Grill for walking access for maintenance 2. Gutter falling from back to front of roof 3. Where roof is hidden from view (in valleys, etc) it can be clad in single ply or similar

3: External wall and roof connection 1. Concealed hidden gutter 2. Reused corrugated steel panels on roof and wall (metal rail fixing system behind)

R A I N WAT E R G O O D S

The rainwater downpipes are designed to match the industrial unifying details of the scheme. Shaped like a C-section channel, it matches the building ethos to see the passage of water and these marks develop over time. Some gutters are able to drain straight into the swale. The mezzanine columns, exposed gutters and downpipes are coloured to match the rust orange-brown corten. 2 1 Examples of industrial gutter inspiration

4: External wall and floor connection 1. Service trunking grill around edge of room 2. Reused corrugated steel panels 3. Insulated blocks to avoid thermal bridging

140

BU I L D U P S 1:10

E ID S N

INSIDE

GROUND

OUTSIDE

INSIDE

U-Value 0.8 W/m2K

B-B: Floor Type

C-C: Internal Wall Type

D-D: External Wall Type

INSIDE - Floor finish (laminate timber floor) - Screed with UF heating - 200mm concrete slab - Damp proof membrane - 250mm insulation - 65mm concrete - Hardcore GROUND

- CLT - 50mm service void - Studwork and cellulose insulation - 50mm service void - CLT

OUTSIDE - Metal cladding (corten or corrugated steel panels) - Metal cladding fixing system - 250mm sheeps wool insulation - Plywood - 150mm cellulose insulation - Airtight membrane - CLT INSIDE

U-Value 0.14 W/m2K

141

INSIDE

T OU

OUTSIDE - PV panels - Metal cladding (corten or corrugated steel panels) - Metal cladding fixing system - 250mm sheeps wool insulation - Plywood - 150mm cellulose insulation - Airtight membrane - CLT - 50mm service void for lighting -CLT INSIDE

E SID

INSIDE

A-A: Roof Type

Wall, floor and roof build ups were designed to meet Passivhaus U-value requirements of under 0.15 W/m2K

U-Value 0.8 W/m2K

DOUBLE BEAM Double beam with services/lighting between Pin connection

Moment connection

The glulam frame system was designed to minimise material use, whilst incorporating services and lighting. The single curved piece of glulam is a component designed for the standard room pitch of 30o, thus it could be easily reused in other projects. The end of the double beams are concealed within the wall, where services and lighting can be supplied to between the beams. The frame is also designed to be disassembled, with mechanical joinery, such as bolted, screwed or nailed connections.

Neudorf Sports Center, Atelier Zündel Cristea (France, 2014)

Single curved piece of glulam

Internal collage: structure expressed

Tashjian Bee Discovery Center, MSR Design (Minnesota, 2016)

142

ST E E L C L A D D I N G SE T T I N G O U T East Elevation 1:100

1 1 3

2 2

1:100

143

Steel cladding is inspired by the industrial heritage of the site. Due to the docks, Cardiff is made up of an eclectic mixture of imported materials and styles. This inspired the patten of varying colours of reused corrugated steel panels. Similarly, the rust-colouration embraces the dockland and warehouse characteristics.

1. Corten Panels

3. Perforated Corten Panels

4. Painted Corrugated Steel Panels

2. Louvred Corten Panels

3. Perforated Corten Panels

4. Painted Corrugated Steel Panels

144

M AT E R IA L S T R AT E G Y

145

EXISTING STEEL Wales has a strong history tied to the production of steel. The largest producer of steel in the world between 1885 and 1914 was from a Welsh-owned company, Bolckow Vaughan1. Thus, embracing steel as a part of the project and demonstrating how it can be reused in sustainable way was important. As a new build designed to high environmental standards, the use of steel challenges public perception of what a ‘sustainable’ building can be. The diagram to the left shows an ideal model demonstrating how designing for reuse can support the circular economy of materials.

Example of how the existing corrugated steel panels could be removed

2,689m2 available

100m3 available

1,120m2 available

Corrugated steel panels on the repurposed warehouse volume

Portal frames forming the removed warehouse volume

Corrugated steel panels on the removed warehouse volume

reuse Reinstalled onto facade after cleaning and repainting

reuse

890m2 required

However, it is acknowledged that the presence of steel within the existing warehouse does mean that initially some energy (and thus carbon) has to be inputted into the process. However, the payback of this is that components designed at this stage can incorporate features aid future reuse, such as interlocking mechanisms rather than welding for easy disassembly. Thus, reducing and minimising required energy inputs in the future. The principles of designing for disassembly also help the project to meet the Living Building Challenge requirements, such as diverting at least 80% of construction waste and 99% of metal from landfill. The LBC also requires a material management plan for the different phases of the building, including: Design, Construction, Operation and End of Life.

Panels can be reused on new build north elevation cladding

recycle

Any excess reused in other projects nearby or melted and recycled

1. https://museum.wales/articles/1564/Working-Abroad---Welsh-Emigration-Steel/

146

R E U SE S T E E L

Condition of existing corrugated steel panels

Clean up and use corrugated panels as is Potential to perforate and re-paint or zinc powder coat

Lower carbon option 147

Melt down steel and reform Introduce new elements to create corten alloy

Example of old steel portal frame

Higher carbon option

C O RT E N S T E E L Carbon

Silicon

Manganese

Phosphorus

Sulphur

0.12%

0.50%

0.10%

0.03%

Aluminium

Vanadium

Copper

Chromium

Nickel

0.12%

0.02%

0.50%

1.25%

0.65%

Chemical composition of Corten Steel1, leaving approximately

~ 96.5% Iron (of which a high percentage can be from recycled steel, rather than virgin iron ore)

Corten was chosen due to it’s industrial appearance, appropriate to the contextual heritage of the area, and it’s self-maintaining ‘rust patina’. Oxidation of the surface creates a self-protecting surface layer, meaning no finishing is required. If cut or penetrated, the layer can reform and heal itself and as stickers and graffiti are difficult to adhere to, it requires no maintenance. Although, it will require an initial input of energy to make the corten panels, a large amount of the steel can be sourced from the existing scrap steel on site. Steel can also be infinitely recycled and no extra materials or carbon will be needed during the building operation. The natural oxidation period occurs over 12-18 months, after which the colour becomes more stable and uniform. The colouration is reactive to the individual environmental conditions of the site and is hard to predict, giving the corten a unique appearance.

Corten weathering process 1. https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=5227 2. http://moss-design.com/corten/

148

P E R F O R M A N C E VS C A R B O N

Comparison of embodied carbon and U-values for various insulation types 2

It is important to work out the balance between material performance versus their embodied carbon. Decisions were taken in some cases where an element had a higher embodied carbon, but would result in a much better building performance. This was particularly important in deciding which insulation to use.

Foam Glass Cork Slab Cellulose Woodwool Board Sheeps Wool

Initial feasibility calculations were employed to decide the approach to building structure. Despite requiring much deeper beams and having them at more frequent centres, a glulam frame would still result in half of the embodied carbon than a steel frame would. This led to the approach early on of utilising a timber frame within the new build.

Flax Mineral Wool Rockwool (23kg/m3) Expanded Polystyrene Rockwool (60kg/m3)

To meet the Living Building Challenge, there are also materials that cannot be used within the scheme. Known as the ‘Red List’, this includes materials, chemicals and elements that “pose serious risk to human health and the greater ecosystem” 1. This was most noteworthy when considering internal finishes and insulations. Thus, there was another reason to consider more natural insulations, such as sheeps wool, despite needing a lot of it to achieve good U-values. Some example Red List materials: - Asbestos - Formaldehyde (added) - Halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) - Lead (added) - Polyvinyl chloride - Wood treatments (containing creosote, arsenic or pentachlorophenol) - Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (in wet applied products) 1. https://living-future.org/lbc/red-list/ 2. https://www.greenspec.co.uk/building-design/embodied-carbon-of-insulation/ 3. Standard value from: https://www.bucklandtimber.co.uk/environmental-benefits/ 4. Standard value from: https://www.steelconstruction.info/Life_cycle_assessment_ and_embodied_carbon

149

Rockwool (100kg/m3) Rockwool (200kg/m3) Polyurethane Embodied carbon (kgCO2e) per m2 of wall

Thickness required for a U-value of 0.15W/m2K

Embodied carbon comparison of frames spanning 10m: Structure

Span/Depth Ratio

Beam Cross Section

Beam Centres

Carbon per Beam

Total Embodied Carbon

Timber (glulam)

10-15

550mm x 180mm

every 2m (8 beams)

460 kg beam * 0.3 kgCO2e/kg [3] = 138 kgCO2e

1,100 kgCO2e

Steel (I-beams)

18-25

457mm x 191mm x 106mm (weighs 106kg/m)

every 5m (3 beams)

1,060 kg beam * 0.87 kgCO2e/kg [4] = 920 kgCO2e

2,760 kgCO2e

Carbon impact over the life cycle and potential benefits (Measured at 60 years)

F C B S C A R B O N : N E W BU I L D

A1-A3 Sequestered Carbon

A1-A5 Products & Construction

B1-B3 & B5 Maintenance (eg: cleaning)

B4 Replacement

B6-B7 Operational Energy Use

C1-C4 End of Life

D Next-Life / Outside Boundary Benefit (eg: Disassembly Design, energy generated by PVs)

Substructure Superstructure Upper floors Roof External walls Windows Internal walls Internal finishes Services

Lifecycle embodied carbon

Embodied carbon by building aspect

The FCBS Carbon Tool was used iteratively to try to reduce the embodied carbon of the new building throughout the design process. Much of the new build specification was informed by referring to LETI targets. For example, the ‘schools’ design guide was selected as the most similar typology to the Energy Centre. LETI requires the glazing ratio to be between 15% - 25% (% of wall area), and the design achieves 15% - with more glazing to the south (<40%) and less to the north, as Passivhaus recommends. For schools, LETI guidance also states the embodied carbon should be <600 kgCO2/ m2, which the building achieves. It is interesting to see the building performance compared to the RIBA requirements. The LETI recommended operational energy consumption of 65kWh/m2 does not actually meet the RIBA Challenge target of less than 55kWh/m2 by 2030. The design ethos was to balance embodied carbon to save on operational performance over the building life, however FCBS implies that the operational performance could lack innovation by the end of life. It was surpising how much services contribute to embodied carbon, especially as these elements are significant to performance (i.e: MVHR system) and were marked to have a shorter life and need replacing during the buildings life. Embodied Carbon to practical completion (A1-A5) Lifecycle Embodied Carbon (A1-A5, B1-B5, C1-C4)

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kgCO2e/m2

496

kgCO2e/m2

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M AT E R IA L S O U RC I N G Originally native to North America, Douglas Fir is an evergreen conifer and softwood. Douglas Fir grows particularly well in Wales and in the west of the UK as there is a higher amount of rainfall. Buckland Timber in Devon is the UK’s largest supplier of glulam. Douglas Fir could be sourced from FSC-certified forests in mid to north Wales and transported to Devon for processing. The Living Building Challenge requires at least 20% of the materials construction budget to come from within 500 km of the construction site. By using local and responsible sourcing, hopefully this target can be greatly exceeded and little to no aviation/shipping is required. The other large material quantity to consider is the steel on site. This could be taken to local facilities at Celsa Steel - the UK “leaders in steel recycling” - with special machinery for reusing steel.

Douglas Fir trees in woodland, Wales

Douglas Fir formed in glulam (by Buckland Timber)

1 hour 15 minute drive to WSM Severn Barrage (100km)

5 minute drive to Celsa Steel

500km radius 1. https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-ofbritish-trees/douglas-fir/

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Carbon impact over the life cycle and potential benefits (Measured at 60 years)

F C B S C A R B O N : WA R E H O U SE

Carbon in existing elements

The warehouse retrofit demonstrates how a significant amount of carbon has been saved by reusing the structure. This is due to the existing warehouse elements being particularly carbon intensive - for example, reinforced conrete slab and steel frame.

A1-A3 Sequestered Carbon

A1-A5 Products & Construction

B1-B3 & B5 Maintenance (eg: cleaning)

B4 Replacement

B6-B7 Operational Energy Use

C1-C4 End of Life

D Next-Life / Outside Boundary Benefit (energy generated by PVs)

As mentioned previously, the steel recycling forms a key part of the project. The tool has no way to demonstrate that the corten will be manufactured only 5 minutes away from site and has a high locally recycled content. Therefore the embodied carbon values could actually be lower (for the corten panels on warehouse and cladding on new build). There was also interesting discussion on the limitations of solar panels within the FCBS Carbon Tool. Energy generated by PVs is marked as negative, so both buildings have negative values in D (blue). However, there embodied carbon value is not accounted for, and they will need repairing/replacing over the building life. Embodied Carbon to practical completion (A1-A5) Lifecycle Embodied Carbon (A1-A5, B1-B5, C1-C4)

185

kgCO2e/m2

408

kgCO2e/m2

COMBINED BUILDINGS OVERALL:

Lifecycle Embodied Carbon (A1-A5, B1-B5, C1-C4)

Operational vs Embodied

Lifecycle embodied carbon

442

kgCO2e/m2

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R E G U L AT I ON S E Q U I T Y P E TA L

C DM R E G U L AT I O N S Principle Designer

Construction

CDM (Construction Design Management) is a set of regulations intended to maintain health and safety during the development, construction and maintenance of a building. When considered during the scheme design rather than as an afterthought, the safety on site and in use is improved.

Another hazard during construction could be the presence of the swale. Careful construction phasing could help avoid the swale filling with water too early and precautions in the form of guarding and signage would ensure personnel safety. Even if only a ditch (with no water) care should be taken to retain sufficient vehicle access to site for large equipment, such as cranes or delivery trucks.

The regulations require a principle designer to be appointed. Although not always, it is assumed that this role will be fulfilled by the project architect.

Maintenance Pre-Construction Prior to start on site, the CDM principle designer will be responsible for planning, monitoring and coordinating health and safety risk assessments. For example, it could be identified that due to the nature of a warehouse building constructed in the 1970s, it is likely that asbestos could be discovered during its retrofit or removal. Thus, a plan must be in place for its removal and disposal if this is the case, ensuring that asbestos fibres are not released into the air during work. There may also be the need for specific impact assessments to identify potential risks to nearby occupants, such as noise and air quality impact assessments.

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Both the warehouse and new build have valley gutters and as such the proposal allows maintenance access for cleaning. A rail is provided for a personnel harness to clip onto and a grill to filter large debry can also be used to walk on the roof. Additionally, this will allow access for solar PV maintenance or replacement. The roof can be accessed via ladder. Monitoring Because Living Building Challenge performance-based, an ongoing monitoring and BMS (Building Management System) is essential. In fact, the building cannot even be certified until after 12 months of performance monitoring. This also aligns with the Passivhaus approach of achieving certification via testing. Additionally, publishing data is an important part of industry-wide education.

BU I L D I N G R E G U L AT I O N S

MAIN ACCESS

This project will comply with Welsh building regulations to ensure design is safe and accessible. In 2011, building regulation powers were devolved, allowing the Welsh Assembly to take control over their own regulations. However, the majority of these are exact duplicates of the English regulations or outdated versions. For example, Welsh Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) was last updated in 2018, so does not included any of the updates introduced in 2020 revised English version and contains poorer performance targets. As mentioned previously, the Energy Education Centre aims to exceed existing performance targets and perform much better than Part L requires - see Energy Section for more information.

Site boundary fencing Site access Material store Site cabins Warehouse to be removed

50m

1:1000 154

PA RT B : F I R E First Floor 1:500

18m

13m 14m

18m

22m

10m

38m 38m

14m

fire engine turning

Ground Floor 1:500

PA RT B : F I R E B1: Means of warning and escape

B2 & B3: Internal Fire Spread

An electronically operated fire detection and alarm system will be employed and comply with BS 5839-1.

Structural elements, such as glulam, and exposed internal timber elements, such as CLT panels, will be treated with a fire retardant finish or specified to meet fire resistance requirements. When retrofitting the warehouse, the steel portal frame will also be treated with fire retardant finish, enabling it to remain exposed.

For buildings in Purpose Group 5: Assembly and Recreation (Table 2.1, Part B), the maximum travel distance in one distance is 18m and in more than one direction 45m. Escape routes are wide, with minimum widths of 1500mm, minimum door opening widths of 1050mm and minimum stair widths of 1100mm. In rooms where it is assumed that no more than 60 people will occupy the space, a minimum of one escape route or exit is provided (eg: exhibition space in new build). Larger spaces, such as the warehouse exhibition, that could potentially accommodate over 600 people, have multiple escape routes or exits (minimum of 3). Any spaces classed as ‘inner rooms’ have low occupancy.

As Passivhaus standards require the building to include mechanical ventilation ductwork, design will ensure that ductwork will not help to transfer fire and smoke through the building. Fire doors providing 60 minute protection will help reduce spread of fire. As a relatively low-rise 2 storey building, a sprinkler system is not a requirement, but could be employed in higher risk areas, such as the workshop or atrium spaces.

B4: External Fire Spread

B5: Access and facilities for fire service

Neighbouring buildings are at a sufficient distance whereby the risk of fire spread is minimal. Metal, noncombustible cladding will be employed externally and appropriate cavity and cavity barrier detailing will reduce fire spread risk.

With a total combined floor area of between 2,000 m2 to 8,000 m2 and a height of less than 11m, vehicle access must be provided to at least 15% of the perimeter for pump use. There is sufficient room for fire engine turning within the car park or road access either end of canal park path for vehicle entry to the building front if needed. Despite the swale, fire engine access is still possible to 40% of the building perimeter (or 50% when including canal park path) and swale has potential for use as a water store for fire fighting in buildings all down the park.

Potential fire assembly points Means of escape Fire engine access Fire engine access to pedestrian path if needed Protected escape stair Escape stair Travel distances

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PA RT M : AC C E S S Approach

Circulation

The proposal has been designed to accommodate arrival from a variety of different users. There is proximity to nearby public transport for bus or tram access. Car parking is limited to encourage sustainable transport methods, but disabled accessible spaces and electric vehicle charging spaces are provided in public parking to the east and also in private staff parking to the west.

The proposal was designed to have a looping circulation route through the exhibition, starting on the ground floor and turning back in the opposite direction on the first floor. This reduced the need for vertical circulation and made the design more inclusive, creating the same experience for visitors, whatever their level of mobility.

Public bicycle parking is available by the front entrance and also in indoor parking around the building north side, primarily for staff use. Showers and lockers are also provided for staff. The whole site and each internal floor provides level access on durable, slip-resistant surfaces. Sanitation One ‘Changing Places’ WC has been provided near a lift, as required in Part M for recreation and assembly buildings with capacity of over 350 people. Accessible WCs are also available throughout the building, with outward opening doors. The experience of single users and groups was considered in the design - for example, large school trips with classes of 30 children to small family groups. As such, WCs are available separated by male/female or with unisex cubicles with internal wash-hand basins. Numbers have generated according to expected occupancy numbers. WCs adjacent to classrooms also have lockers for group storage. There is also pram storage within reception and baby changing facilities available on both floors.

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All lifts are a minimum of 2000 mm x 1650 mm to accommodate wheelchair turning of 1500 mm and have similar clear space in front. Stairs have consistent risers and goings and have level landings with a maximum of 10 risers between them. Horizontal circulation widths range from 1500mm to 2100mm, which exceeds the minimum, allowing wheelchair users or pushchairs to easily pass each other. As bridging forms a key component of the scheme, the balustrade guarding detail has been designed to protect from falling. As specified in Part K, assembly and recreation building must have guarding in place of 1100 mm in height or 900 mm on flights. Staff only areas, such as offices or storage areas, are accessible only with key card access and clearly labelled as private to the public. Learning for All When designing spaces, particularly the exhibition, the ‘Inclusive Design Standards’ (2019) and ‘Exhibitions for All’ were referred to. This included considerations for exhibit heights, levels, lighting, materials and signage for example, the entrance is clearly identifiable.

PA RT M : AC C E S S

First Floor NTS

Ground Floor NTS

Lift

WCs

Stairs

Baby Changing

Bike Storage

Accessible WC

Pram Storage

Changing Places WC 158

C O N S T RU C T I O N SE Q U E N C E

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Hoardings will be erected around the perimeter, securing the site boundary. The northern extension to the existing warehouse will be removed and materials sorted for reuse. Materials, such as corrugated steel panels, are carefully removed to be cleaned and repainted or sent to a nearby steel plant for reforming or recycling in elsewhere projects. A footpath and playground to the north of the site will be established, engaging with the community early on.

The warehouse building is retrofit and PVs installed. This should be a relatively quick process due to the unconditioned nature of the proposal and the use of pre-fabricated components, such as SIP pods. At the same time, Canal Park south of the site is developed, with the swale established and pedestrian/ cycle path route improved. Alongside this, masterplan developments will take place, including the extension of Cardiff Central.

The existing road is removed and rubble reused in nearby projects or recycled to create concrete aggregate for foundations. Canal Park is developed to the north. The pedestrian/ cycle path is established to help the community understand the new link to the city centre and train station and familiarise them with the route.

C O N S T RU C T I O N SE Q U E N C E

Foundations for the new block are built and the concrete floor is cast in situ. The glulam frame is constructed on site under covered conditions to avoid weather exposure. In anticipation of the proposed district heat network, connections are pre-installed. By this time, it is anticipated that the new school will also be constructed.

The CLT floors, walls and roofs are constructed. The metal cladding and PVs are installed. Simultaneously, this will allow internal works and fixings to commence when the building is weathertight. The building will be tested and refined to ensure it meets Passivhaus standards, for example airtightness testing via a blower door testing.

The overall Canal Park strategy will be completed when the swale has water allowed into it. Landscaping will be planted when seasonally appropriate, such as the orchard and wetland plants. Site cabins and hoardings will be removed and ballustrading will be installed as guarding to Canal Park path. The building will ‘plug’ into the new city district heat network.

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R E F L E C T I ON

Diagram created by author to explain the Living Building Challenge. The Challenge aims to create: Buildings that give more than they take. Regenerative buildings that connect occupants to light, air, food, nature, and community. Self-sufficient developments that remain within the resource limits of their site. A positive impact on human and natural systems. 161

P E R S O NA L R E F L E C T I O N I have thoroughly enjoyed this project, particularly as it provided me with a vessel to learn more about energy. Especially at the beginning when I was exploring ways in which to explain scale to visitors, I was captivated by some of the information I researched. Actually being able to visualise the size of a kg of CO2, for example, helped my understanding after hearing figures quoted in these units for years. I spent time developing ideas for the entrance area to the main block. This involved integrating a seating area and perforated panel for ventilation, which can be seen in the model on page 62 and 64. The aim was to create a gathering space and provide inbuilt seating for the cafe spill out. Additionally, the timber covering to the entrance is not yet fully resolved. The initial idea was inspired by CAT, where semi-transparent PVs were used within a timber frame to create interesting reflections of light beneath. However, how this worked in the shaded northern area was not yet explored. It was thought that a coloured or semi-translucent plastic or glass could be used to generate a similar effect. How well the entrance pergola was integrated into the main structural and material strategy was also debatable. If there was more time, I would liked to have developed these further and explained their rationale within the report. During the final review day, I had many comments asking if the random pattern of circular perforations drawn on the corten panels were spelling out a subliminal message. I would have loved to develop this idea and use the panels to aid with wayfinding or advertise the building. This could also be a way to integrate community contributions to the design and to explore light patterns created by perforations further. Although there have been challenges during the semester - notably when I had to isolate with Covid - I have greatly enjoyed exploring a project with such a sustainable approach integrated from the beginning. My weekly tutorials with Jo were always motivating and, combined with the support of colleagues, friends and family, my sixth and final year at Bath is encouraging for the future. I am proud of my time management and that during my six years at Bath I never had to ‘pull an all-nighter’ or give in to the widespread issue of toxic studio culture in architecture courses. Sadly, I recently found out the Taylor & Sons Warehouse, that this project proposed for reuse, is scheduled for demolition on 1st June - just days after this project concludes. Overall, the work I conducted in my final year has left me more aware of the environmental challenges facing the architectural industry and the planet as a whole, but also has left me feeling more hopeful and optimistic.

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