SUSTAINABILITY

Sunlight

Direct sunlight is a major sustainability component in the MWR phase 4 proposal. The South facing solar panels circulate the generated electricity through the building covering part of the electrical bill. Whilst the vertical extension uses the sunlight to create a greenhouse effect.

Passive Ventilation

Passive ventilation strategies are used around the building. The 0-3 storey high atrium is passively ventilated. Additionally, the green roof extension can be opened up for passive ventilation in case the conditions in the extension are undesirable.

Warm Air Capture

Part of the warm air leaving the MWR is captured in the greenhouse extension reducing the need for heating.

The Greenhouse Effect

Direct sunlight is captured through the entire glass roof extension creating a greenhouse effect. Allowing the roof extension to be a separately insulated structural element and reducing the need for heating, whilst capturing part of the heat loss of the building.

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater is harvested from the pitched roof structure into a water container and distributed into the building for use in watering the plants, toilet water etc.