Algae-culture - Creating a Flagship Solution by sambetteridge

ALGAE-CULTURE 23

SAM BETTERIDGE RACHEL FOREMAN BRADLEY SMITH ELLA THORNS KEVIN TSE JOE WATTON

If the aerospace industry is going to have any place in our future, it must develop a sustainable agenda.

CONTENTS 1:1 000

1:100

Designing on a City Scale

Designing on a Local Scale

Designing on a Building Scale

5. National Approach

13. City Approach

31. Local Approach

7. Creating a Flagship Solution 9. Sourcing Materials

15. 17. 19. 21. 23. 25. 27. 29.

33. Physical Site Analysis 37. Flagship Square 38. Site Plan

1:1 000 000

1:100 000

1:10 000

Designing on a Global Scale

Designing on a National Scale

1. Global Approach 3. Preview

Design Structure Environmental Process

Historic Analysis Social Analysis Environmental Analysis Stakeholder Analysis Economic Analysis Future Analysis Climate Analysis Reﬁned Brief

1:10

1:1

Designing on a Construction Scale

Designing on a Human Scale

39. Building Approach

77. Construction Approach

105. Team Approach

41. Scheme Rationale 43. Precedents 45. Low Carbon Design Methodology 49. Material Selection 50. West Elevation 51. Tectonic Model 52. South Elevation 53. Ground Floor Plan 54. Adjacency Diagrams 55. Accessibility 57. Basement Floor Plan 58. Algae Cycle 59. Maintenance 61. First Floor Plan 62. Adaptable Exhibition Spaces 63. Events 65. Second Floor Plan 66. Adaptable Auditorium 67. Lectures 69. Office Floor Plan 70. Adaptable Offices 71. Office Life 73. Lifecycle 1 Projection 75. Lifecycle 2 Projection

Roof Construction Entrance Foyer Details N-S Section 1:100 Model Habitable Block Construction 87. Breakout Terrace Details 89. E-W Section 90. 1:100 Model 92. Structural Roof Plan 93. Construction Sequence 95. Material Choices 97. Temperature and Ventilation 101. Lighting and Acoustics 103. Rainwater

107. Weekly Reﬂection 115. Post-Crit Alterations 117. Team Reﬂections

79. 81. 83. 84. 85.

“He wanted to establish frames of mind and organisational structures that would enable architects and engineers to co-operate from the outset of a commission. Only by such harmony could anyone achieve Henry Wotton’s famous goal (1924) of ﬁrmness, commodity and delight. Gradually, however, a larger-scale ambition achieved focus - the removal of barriers to thought and practice in any walk of life. Multi-disciplinary co-operation could occur only when disciplines free themselves from both internal and external constraints, not least because specialisation always generates incomprehension.” Peter Jones writing on Ove Arup in How the Grandmaster Rewrote the Rules, Building Design, 15.9.06 p.12

THINGS WE WON’T DO

Single out architecture from sustainable design | Promote a globally harmful industry | Ignore the potential of the building on a nationwide scale | Green wash our building | Neglect the local economy | Use materials that are single use | Cover our building with toxic PV panels | Design a structure that cannot be recycled or reused | Be driven by aesthetics | Ignore aesthetics wholly in favour of environmental considerations | Create a purely pragmatic building that will not be used | Design a space for a single function | Compromise form factor for aesthetics | Create deep plans that promote the use of artiﬁcial lighting | Ignore the lifespan of a material | Let architecture dictate structure | Use single factors when determining material choices | Overlook the potential of research for sustainable innovation | Design a building that requires excessive foundations | Only consider environmental elements at the end of the design | Stay within our discipline when ﬁnding solutions | Stop sharing ideas and collaborating with other minds | Design based on today’s society

Since the industrial revolution we have been releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere at a rate faster than Earth’s biosphere can naturally reabsorb. As a result, the average global temperature has risen by 1°C compared to pre industrial levels.

If global warming is allowed to exceed 1.5°C, it is predicted that sea levels will rise significantly, threatening the world’s coastal areas and wiping out low-lying populations such as Venice and the Pacific Islands. Equatorial and tropical areas will become more susceptible to drought, famine and wildfires and around two thirds of the Earth’s surface will see large reductions in crop yields, with whole countries becoming effectively uninhabitable.

Limiting global warming to 1.5°C will require rapid, far reaching and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society. International Panel on Climate Change, Report on Global Warming of 1.5 °C

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Simply making the status quo more efﬁcient, rather than shifting to a fundamentally different paradigm, is a doomed strategy.

Bloomberg HQ in London received BREEAM Outstanding following its completion in October 2017, the highest available certiﬁcation of sustainable design. It then went on to win the 2018 RIBA Stirling Prize, being described as “the world’s most sustainable ofﬁce building”.

Phineas Harper, Curator of the Oslo Triennale

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It was hoped that the Headquarters would pave the way for a new breed of low carbon ofﬁce building, but at the Beijing launch of their design, Spencer de Grey, head of design at Foster + Partners, said that even if all such buildings were completed to the same standard as Bloomberg, we would still be due to hit three degrees of warming. Sustaiable buildings cannot work in isolation.

To stay below 1.5°C of warming, we need to rethink the way we design...

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Algae can produce biomass very rapidly, with some species doubling in as few as six hours and many exhibiting two doublings per day. San Diego Center for Algal Biotechnology

1:10 DESIGNIN

In 2015 the Conservative government promised to plant 11 million trees by 2020, but the high price of land and lack of economic incentives has meant they are set to fall well short of that target, which equated to 2.2 million a year. In the run up to the 2019 general election the same party are pledging to plant 30 million trees per year until 2024 if they are elected.

Widespread tree planting is one of the few straightforward solutions we have to mitigating the current biodiversity and climate emergencies. However, in order to make it feasible we need to free up a lot of land. A high-density forest has around 2,500 trees per hectare, meaning Labourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proposed target of two billion trees would require a minumum of 800,000 hectares of land - almost 6% of the area of the UK.

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Over 70% of land in the UK is used for agriculture. Of this, only 15% is used for foods which are directly consumed by humans. The remaining 85% is used to feed animals which are later converted to products for human consumption. This amounts to 14.4 million hectares of land, 60% of the UK.

Animals have historically been fed on a blend of slow growing grasses and cereals which are harvested once a year. Algae can be used as a protein and nutrient-rich animal feed replacement, with certain types able to grow up to 40 times faster than conventional feed crops with improved nutritional content. If all animal feed was produced as algae, 39 out of every 40 ďŹ elds used for agricultural feed could be repurposed for tree planting, rewilding and renewables. Algae can also grow on the roof.

We have no hope of stopping climate change unless we can restore the abundance of nature. Craig Bennett, Friends of the Earth Chief Executive

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Our building will demonstrate how algae has the potential to free up 58.5% of the area of the UK for tree planting.

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CREATING A FLAGSHIP SOLUTION We do not know the future or how society will function, but we do know what the UK needs. Based on current exponential trends, the population is rising and is only set to rise; pushing the limits of UK and international land to provide our everyday wants and needs.

Plant Trees

As a ﬂagship building with sustainability at the core of the agenda, the building sought the potential of creating energy but with the decarbonisation of the grid, this would be obsolete in 30 years time and only a token effort towards a much larger issue. Algae on the roof of the proposal offers many more opportunities on a wider scale. By further considering this within the development of the shape and structure of the building, the biomass creation potential can be increased, and the advantages of algae can be showcased. Utilising it as high protein animal feed, growing 40 times as fast as conventional crops, it has the ability to free up large proportions of land. The possibilities of the newly available land are endless… Hitting the UK government’s plan for planting trees and carbon capturing; planting more food crops for the growing population; and making more space available for large scale renewable plants to reach decarbonisation of the grid by 2050.

Algae Integrated within Building Envelope

High Protein Animal Feed

Free Up Land Human Food Crops

And if everyone goes vegan…algae smoothies!

Renewables PAGE|7

2019

2050

UK POPULATION 66,440,000

POTENTIAL UK POPULATION INCREASE TO 77,000,000

% OF UK WITH FOREST COVER 13%

REQUIRED % OF UK WITH FOREST COVER 17-19%

AREA OF UK AGRICULTURAL LAND CURRENTLY USED 46.2m ACRES

LAND REQUIRED TO FULFIL FOREST COVER REQUIREMENT >2.4m ACRES

AREA OF UK ARABLE LAND USED FOR ANIMAL FEED 5.01m ACRES

LAND GAINED FROM USING ALGAE FOR ANIMAL FEED 4.89m ACRES

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GLASS

SOURCING MATERIAL LOCATIONS Understanding the widespread impact of the material choice is something that is integral to the project. From the outset, the scheme began by looking at material availability and characteristics to create an unbiased opinion on what would be most suited for the scale and function of the building. The variance in characteristics a material can hold means the decision based on environmental and structural advantages and disadvantages becomes entirely subjective. To fairly compare between them, the research puts forward certain factors which are particularly important to the ethos of the scheme. The deep analysis considered not only the materialsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; embodied energy, including both the processing and transport, but general maintenance, the impact on local economy, buildability, lifespan, reusability and recyclability. As seen opposite, the map explores the location of each of the materials analysed and the methods of transport from the material source, to the supplier, and ďŹ nally to the site.

BRICKS STEEL

CONCRETE

ETFE RAMMED EARTH

Lorry Rail Freight Source/Supp plier Site PAGE|9

GLULAM

RECYCLED BRICKS

STEEL

GLULAM

PORT TALBOT STEEL WORKS

BUCKLAND TIMBER LTD

Transport Emissions (g/T)

4314

12,473

Extraction and Processing Emissions (kgCO2e/kg)

2.49 (However majority recycled)

0.42 or -1.23

Performance Measure

Stiffness: 25.48 Yield Strength/Density: 0.035

Stiffness: 31.1 Yield Strength/Density: 0.066

Normalised Emissions for Density (kgCO2e/m3)

19546.5

184.80

Longevity

100+ years if treated and maintained

40 years unsheltered, requires regular maintenance and inspection.

Reusability

Easily recycled

Very difďŹ cult to recycle due to treatment and glue.

Economic Sustainability

Providing work for local steel industry in Wales that has been suffering.

Transport over longer distances prevents money being invested in the local economy. May require specialised workforce.

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RAMMED EARTH

CONCRETE

SOILFIX EX-SITU TREATMENT

HANSON AGGREGATES

Transport Emissions (g/T)

1853

2173

Extraction and Processing Emissions (kgCO2e/kg)

General: 0.024 5% Cement: 0.061 GGBS: 0.047 Fly Ash: 0.041

0.17

Performance Measure

Stiffness: 0.17 Yield Strength/Density: 0.00057

Stiffness: 13.13 Yield Strength/Density: 0.013

Normalised Emissions for Density (kgCO2e/m3)

408

Longevity

Long Lifespan (some examples over 8000 years old)

50-100 years for reinforced concrete.

Reusability

Easily recycled, becomes difďŹ cult when mix contains cement.

Can be crushed into aggregate but requires large equipment on site.

Economic Sustainability

Not well known however the simple approach means a workforce can be easily trained.

Material locally sourced and common so local workforce can be used.

ETFE

GLASS

ARCHITEN LANDRELL

PILKINGTON GLASS ST HELENS

Transport Emissions (g/T)

2434

7928

Extraction and Processing Emissions (kgCO2e/kg)

1.93-2.08

Primary Glass: 0.91 Secondary Glass: 0.59

Performance Measure

N/A

Normalised Emissions for Density (kgCO2e/m3)

1.456

2275

Longevity

Maximum lifespan of approx 40 years.

10+ years

Reusability

100% recyclable

Can be melted but most cases it ends in landďŹ ll.

Economic Sustainability

Nearby manufacturer and supplier. Local specialists; ETFE was ďŹ rst developed for the aeronautics industry.

Common material that local workforce can help to install.

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DESIGNING ON A CITY SCALE

The aerospace industry is a vital part of Bristol’s historic identity, with aircraft having been designed and made there for over 100 years. With 11,000 people employed by the sector in Filton alone, Bristol has the largest aerospace cluster in Europe. This plays a key role in boosting the local economy, as demonstrated by the arrival of the National Composites Centre in 2011and Airbus’ plans to create a £37 million wing research and testing centre in Filton, generating another 2400 jobs in the coming decade.

“Air trafﬁc is expected to double in the next 15 years. Between now and 2032 there is a global requirement for over 29,000 new passenger aircraft worth around $4.4 trillion, and provided we appreciate and invest in our local aerospace cluster, Bristol can truly soar.” - Barry Warburton, Aerospace & Advanced Engineering Sector Specialist at Invest Bristol & Bath

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Air trafﬁc is expected to double in the next 15 years.

While this growth will beneﬁt the Bristol econmy, the aviation industry has a very high carbon footprint. A return ﬂight from Brstol to Sydney will result in the equivalent of 5.14 tonnes of CO2 entering the atmosphere, twice the amount each member of the population is able to emit annually if global warming is to be kept below 1.5°C.

Barry Warburton, Aerospace & Advanced Engineering Sector Specialist at Invest Bristol & Bath

The aerospace industry must reduce its carbon footprint if it is to have any place in the modern world. Technological and material advancements at Bristol-based research sites such as the National Composites Centre and the new Airbus Wing Research Centre will be pivotal in achieving this reduction. The implementation of these new innovations needs to be widespread, and specialist exhibition spacs will be required.

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Our building will promote low emission aerospace research on a global scale.

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A CENTRE FOR INNOVATION HISTORIC GROUNDING

1944 1910

Filton Airﬁeld presents an exciting opportunity for the Brabazon development, celebrating the area’s unique and important role in the history of the aerospace industry in Bristol. An area that has been cut off to the private sector is now able to showcase Filton’s ground-breaking innovations in technology and research.

Over the war years, Filton expanded rapidly to promote the technological innovations for the war effort.

British and Colonial Aeroplane Company was founded by Sir George White, chairman of the Bristol Tramways and Carriage Company who opened their ﬁrst aircraft factory in a pair of former tram sheds in Filton.

1940

AIRCRAFT FACTORY OPENED

The Bristol Aeroplane Company (BAC) was integral in the war efforts, producing g Blenheim, Beaufort, Beauﬁghter and Brigand planes. Unfortunately, this madee it a huge target for the Germans and an RAF AF squadron was as permanently based at Filton Filto on Airﬁeld.

The site has continuously been a forward-thinking centre of the aerospace industry over the last century, with the new community sharing this ethos in the sustainable approach to construction and new methodologies. To celebrate this, the proposal should speak of the years of aerospace technology and continue the reputation for innovation.

INTEGRAL IN WAR EFFORTS

WW1 The company grew rapidly as pressure from the war demanded more aircraft. The nearby hamlet of Charlton was taken over by the War Ofﬁce and the Royal Flying Corps established themselves south of the factories.

1939 1929 As tensions rose in the interwar years, military facilities on the site expanded and Filton Airﬁeld became an operational ﬁghter base.

OPERATIONAL FIGHTER BASE

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WW2

Filton Airfield was equipped with Hawker Hurricanes, these were regarded as the most effective against battle damage and went on to revolutionise all future fighter plane designs. Privately developed by BAE Systems and fitted with Rolls Royce PV-12 engine.

IMPORTANT AIRFIELD DURING BATTLE OF BRITAIN

AFTER THE WAR

LARGEST AIRCRAFT HANGAR IN THE WORLD

1910

The first flight of the Brabazon, a large propellerdriven plane that had been developed on site by BAC to complete transatlantic flights. The scale of the plane resulted in the building of the then largest aircraft hangar in the world,

1971 Rolls Royce declared bankruptcy from developing the RB211 engine, the ﬁrst threespool engine and most powerful at the time.¬¬ The development and research of the Rolls Royce engine division based at Filton was regarded so important for the integrity of the RAF that the company was nationalised.

2003 Concorde made last ever flight to Filton Airfield to retire after running costs became too high. Over 30 years after its maiden flight, the Concorde remained unsurpassed in speed, and was broadcasted worldwide.

ROLLS ROYCE NATIONALISED NATI NA TION ONAL A ISE

1950s BAC began developing and producing early prefabricated homes as well as plastics, helicopters, guided weapons, luxury cars, gas engines and ramjet motors.

1969 FIRST FLIGHT OF THE CONCORDE

First ﬂight of the Concorde 002 prototype that had been built in Filton. The Concorde was an engineering marvel powered by four Rolls-Royce/ SNECMA engines developed close by.

BRISTOL AEROSPACE MUSEUM OPENS

2017 Bristol Aerospace Museum opened in one of the original hangars built in the Second World War. Here, the ﬁnal Concorde remains as a symbol of the engineering and aerospace breakthroughs Filton represents.

LATE 1950s BAC started work on designing a long-range supersonic airliner. This development project was later combined with Aerospatiale of France’s project to save costs, this would go on to be the Concorde.

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FILTON’S POPULATION SOCIAL ANALYSIS Filton’s population is a disjointed mix of suburban homes and large industry broken up by the airﬁeld site and preventing a cohesive community to form. The Brabazon development seeks to connect the district whilst the proposal becomes an integral part of building the enhanced community. As a new economic centre, Filton promises to provide many jobs, with the proposal acting as a catalyst and support system for new companies. The map opposite explores some of the privately rented student accommodation available near the site. Recognising the strong student presence within the area and proximity to UWE, the building serves as an additional centre for studying, integrating the student population into the community. Compared to central Bristol where the percentage of the population with higher qualiﬁcations is increased, the scheme promotes the retention of students within the area to continue to add to the local economy. Whilst the exhibitions and talks within the auditorium provides opportunities to learn and for the community to partake in the education – sparking interest and furthering the ideas presented.

25.3%

27.5%

With Degree g Qualiﬁcation (or equivalent)

In Managerial g and Professional Occupations

14.1%

6.4%

Students

Unemployed

COMMUNITY

BUSINESS

TEACHING RESEARCH LEARNING INNOVATION JOBS

STUDENTS

VISITORS

Based on 2011 Census proﬁle for South Gloucestershire Council for Filton Wood PAGE|17

PROPOSED STUDENT ACCOMMODATION

SITE

UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST OF ENGLAND

Privately Owned Student Accommodation

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BIODIVERSITY IN BRISTOL Bristol is home to a rich and varied array of biodiversity, with several unique species that can be found nowhere else in the UK. Most of these are located in the Avon Gorge, as its rare calcareous subsoil and rocky terrain allow for species which would otherwise be outcompeted. Biodiversity corridors are a key component in maintaining the the resilience of wildlife populations, since they allow migration betwen areas whenever an external threat compromises an existing habitat. Filton airﬁeld is a valuable wildlife assett in its own right, providing an expanse of open grassland to support many species of birds, mammals and insects. The Brabazon development will build on much of this land but could become a biodiversity corridor if planned correctly, since it sits between several habitat areas including Filton Golf Club and the woodland near Hollywood Estate.

BRISTOL ROCK CRESS

DYER’S GREENWEED

SHEEP’S SORREL

This species grows in calceous grasslands which require a speciﬁc type of lime-rich soil. The Avon Gorge is its only mainland growing site in the UK.

A valuable foodplant for a number of threatened moths and insect species. It is suited to the nutrient rich neutral soils found all over Bristol.

An edible member of the buckwheat family, it only grows in a handful of sites across the city due to the acidic conditions it needs to grow.

GREAT CRESTED NEWT

BROWN HARE

HOUSE SPARROW

Its numbers have fallen signiﬁcantly over the last 60 years despite gaining protected status. A small population was recorded in the lagoon opposite the site and others may exist more nearby.

Bristol’s Biodiversity Action Plan identiﬁed a nationally important concentration of Brown Hare in in and around the city. They are most common on open grassy areas such as the Airﬁeld.

A species whose numbers have fallen by 60% in the UK due to increased use of insecticides, herbicides and the development of new buildings on previously derelict land.

A ‘green strip’ has been allocated down the centre of the development , described in YTL’s April 2017 Design and Access Statement: “A new public park created on the axis of the runway will be the city’s most signiﬁcant new public space for decades. The park will reach along the axis of the site, connecting the wide range of environments and neighbourhoods that will be created along its axis. It will provide large public spaces for major events and small intimate places for rest and relaxation.” The current masterplan shows buildings extending across the width of the green strip, preventing it from acting as an effective corridor. In order work successfully for wildlife, this park should allow a constant and uninterrupted strip of designated habitat land running the length of the site, with areas expanding out into more open parkland which may be used by the public. PAGE|19

Land Surrounding Hollywood Estate An extensive strip of decisious woodland running south west along the M5 from the 1815 landscape garden.

Biodiversity corridor proposed through site

Avon Estuary

Stoke Park Estate 108 hectares of species-rich grassland and woodland running parallel to the M32. The Duchess Pond is home to several rare bird species.

A designated area of Special Scientiﬁc Interest due to its rare blend of marine biodiversity.

River Frome A narrow woodland strip following the river into the city from the north, providing a valuable connection to rural land.

Blaise Castle Estate 270 hectares of ecologically rich woodland running along the valley of the River Trym

Oldbury Court Estate Pill Foreshore

Grade II listed park and garden spread over 23 hectares and containing a range of riverside plants and wildlife.

Wetlands area sitting beneath the M5 and left mostly undisturbed, home to a wide variety of bird species

Clifton Down

Leigh Woods Large area of ancient woodland on the south west side of the Avon Gorge, home to a range of rare ﬂora and fauna.

Expansive open green space at the top of Avon Gorge. Contains some wildlife areas but is mainly used for leisure.

Eastville Park Inner-city collection of green space including playing ﬁelds, woodland and allotment with a central lake.

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STAKEHOLDERS COMMON INTERESTS

For the building to be successful, it is governed by the stakeholder’s interest and use of the facilities. Across industries, there is a common goal to become more sustainable, by educating and understanding the challenges faced. Each of the stakeholders hold valuable information that has the ability to change the face of aerospace. With a sustainable agenda in mind, they must come together to showcase and share ideas. Using the building as a central hub for rolling exhibitions, meetings, seminars with students, and education.

“Vital to our overall vision for the site is ensuring sustainability is incorporated within the development.” - YTL Developments

“Airbus is a global partner for sustainable development. We work with governments, civil society and the aerospace sector to encourage sharing of knowledge, technology and ﬁnancial resources to pursue innovation and answer society’s needs.”

“We invest over £1.3 billion in research and development each year, two-thirds of which is dedicated to improving the environmental performance of our products, minimising the impact of our engines.”

Sustainability creates opportunities for forward thinking small businesses to attract a rapidly growing consumer group who are willing to pay more for eco-products and services.

“We must act on our key issues such as climate resilience, to lessen risk to our business; and we must evolve our business to be ready for the future by challenging and improving our working environments and systems.”

“We use our engineering expertise to improve resource efﬁciency and make our business and products more sustainable.”

“UWE Bristol aims to lead, innovate and create the powerful partnerships needed to address the complex issues we face in the world. We are committed to understanding and transforming our environment, health and wellbeing”

The new development is aimed to foster small business start-ups within the aerospace industry. With fresh, new ideas and motivations, they create healthy competition within the sector.

Existing small businesses within the sector are often limited with their sustainability goals due to their size, unlike large companies who can afford in-house sustainability teams. By providing a place for the crosscirculation of ideas and a centre of research, our building seeks to minimise the disadvantages faced.

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TEACH

SHOW

DISCUSS

DISCUSS GATHER

GATHER TELL

TELL

LIFECYCLE 1

LIFECYCLE 2

Building a green community.

A green future for aerospace.

The circulation of ideas between YTL and the future Brabazon residents, educating them on how to run their home to address the performance gap. Ofﬁce units will also be available to ﬁrms interested in setting up within the new economic centre of Brabazon.

An exhibition centre to showcase the foremost innovations in the sustainable aerospace sector. Further ofﬁce spaces, education spaces and resources will be available to enable the growth of sustainability-driven engineering ﬁrms in the South West and beyond. PAGE|22

LEP ENTERPRISE AREA SUPPORTING ECONOMIC GROWTH ROLLSROYCE

Filton is named as an ‘Enterprise Area’ by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). Their core role is to secure the regions continued economic success. “Promoting an environment where businesses thrive and healthy and productive communities grow in a sustainable way” SITE

To do so, the LEP have set out to support and grow existing industry whilst encouraging investment from UK and international businesses looking to establish a UK presence; creating a centre for enterprise. Further to their business aims, the policy also seeks increased provisions for higher education centres, as an opportunity for universities and colleges to further educate, innovate and develop skills within the area.

AIR BUS GKN AREOSPACE

A fundamental driver of the design is the support strategy for businesses to setup and grow in the Filton – ranging from large companies seeking a new UK presence to small, local start-up businesses. As seen on the opposite page, the proposal identiﬁes four core strategies to do so, forming key working relationships and establishing a base to ease the transition for a business.

BAE SYSTEMS

Recognising the future worth of the students currently studying in the area, the building further seeks to form a relationship with the University of West England (UWE), providing facilities for students to study and learn. The integration of the study spaces into the ﬂexible ofﬁces promotes interaction between students and potential future employers within the industry. Thus, retaining them and their educational value within the area.

MOD ABBEY WOOD

SOUTHMEAD HOSPITAL PAGE|23

UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST OF ENGLAND

BRISTOL BUSINESS PARK

COMMUNICATION

RESOURCES

FLEXIBILITY

PUBLIC INTERACTION

Encouraging communication and networking between companies and students with shared breakout spaces and a central atrium, partially separated from the public realm to drive the relationships.

Within the ofﬁces, a designated CAD room gives the opportunity for smaller companies and students that cannot afford all the required software to share licenses, booking in at reception.

Large, open plan ofﬁces can be divided based on the evolving needs of the workers. The ability to adapt spaces means there is the opportunity for the space to hold a company of 50 or 5 companies of 10 with minimum effort and future-prooﬁng.

The exhibition space and auditorium offer the ability to showcase research on a city to national level, whereas the everyday presence of these spaces furthers the workers involvement and enthusiasm of the industry, inspiring visiting minds.

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BRABAZON DEVELOPMENT FUTURE ANALYSIS The proposed Filton AirďŹ eld development promises to create a new mixed-use community within this historic site at the gateway into Bristol. The masterplan incorporates an extensive economic area to the east of the airďŹ eld with the prospects of encouraging start-ups and expanding local businesses into the region. Alongside this, a mixed-use town centre supports the community linked to the residential development areas by a green avenue along the axis of the existing disused runway. Education features heavily across the planned development with proposals of a new secondary school and two new primary schools, and the allocation of a proportion of student housing. Underpinning all this is an aspiration to create an environmentally sustainable community which can be seen in the initial housing applications and the emphasis on provisions for cyclists.

Low Density Residential High Density Residential Mixed-Use Economy Education Urban Green Space Visualisation of a street of typical 3 bed houses to be sited within Geographic Phase 01 of the Brabazon development - Fielden Clegg Bradley Studios. PAGE|25

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CLIMATE ANALYSIS INFORMING THE PROPOSAL

Designing for a context that is yet to emerge presents a number of challenges when relating the building to its surrounding climate. Unknown proximity of future neighbouring buildings prevents certainty around the proportions of the site which may/may not be overshadowed throughout the year. While it can be safely assumed that in the summer months the site remains unobscured from direct sunlight, during the winter season such assumptions cannot be made. The same can be said of the prevailing wind direction. Although the predominantly south westerly wind presents opportunity for a fully naturally ventilated solution, constructing this has a risk of a need to retroďŹ t mechanical systems once the surrounding land has been developed.

PAGE|27

WINTER

SUMMER

Substantial overshadowing from the surrounding proposed development prevents effective use of solar gain/thermal mass heating during the cold seasons.

Near constant exposure to direct sunlight in the summer months despite high density commercial context. Proposal should give consideration to glazing/shading strategy to prevent glare and excessive solar gain.

WIND DIRECTION

TEMPERATURE

RAINFALL

Existing prevailing wind on the site from the south west (approximately 37% of the time in a typical year).

Large temperature range that drops to 1 degree in February, requires low U-values to maintain a comfortable interior.

Opportunity to harvest regular rainfall throughout a typical year for irrigation and sewage ďŹ&#x201A;ushing.

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LIFECYCLE 1

YTL Site Model

BUILDING A GREEN COMMUNITY

Brabazon Information Boards FCB Show Home

During the ﬁrst ten years of its life the building will serve as a ﬂagship for the whole Brabazon development, housing a scale model of the proposed masterplan and a life-sized show home for those interested in buying one of the 2675 proposed new dwellings.

Sustainable Home Information Boards

Large Exhibition Space

Incubator office spaces will be available to firms interested in setting up in Brabazon, whilst also housing the YTL site office. The auditorium facilities will be shared with the nearby University of the West of England, to encourage the apprenticeships described in the Cribbs Patchway New Neighbourhood Framework SPD.

Small Exhibition Space

Community Workshop Space

250 cover dining area

Lectures for Local Schools and Universities Talks on Brabazon Development

YTL Project Ofﬁce

UWE students using break-out spaces

Group Activity Space

Small Auditorium

Ofﬁces

Public Lectures

Large Auditorium

Lectures for Local Schools and Universities YTL Discussions/ Consultations

PAGE|29

Incubator Units for Start-ups

Satellite Ofﬁces for Established Companies

LIFECYCLE 2

Chinook helicopter display

A GREEN FUTURE FOR AEROSPACE

Information boards on the Science of Flight

Seminars for local engineering ﬁrms

Once the Brabazon development is complete, the building will transform into an exhibition centre to showcase the foremost innovations from the aerospace industry. The YTL show homes and site model will be removed from the main exhibition space and replaced by aircraft components demonstrating the research being undertaken by leaders in the aviation industry.

Rolling exhibition space for low carbon aerospace emissions

Large Exhibition Space

YTL will move out of the ofﬁces and local aerospace technology ﬁrms will move in, enabling the growth of sustainability-driven engineering in the South West and Beyond.

Small Exhibition Space

Technology Workshop Space

250 cover dining area

Lectures for Local Schools and Universities Private company hire for product launches

Group Activity Space

Central ofﬁces for long term tenants

UWE students using break-out spaces

Small Auditorium

Ofﬁces

Public Lectures

Large Auditorium

Lectures for Local Schools and Universities Start-up networking events

Incubator Units for Start-ups

Satellite Ofﬁces for Established Companies

PAGE|30

1:1000 DESIGNING ON A LOCAL SCALE

The Brabazon development at Filton Airﬁeld will involve the construction of 2,675 new homes designed to low carbon standards, alongside a new railway station, 3 new schools and 62 acres of employability space.

Leading the way in the development are 278 homes that make up “Geographic Phase 1” to the north of the disused airﬁeld, deigned by Fielden Clegg Bradley Studios All will be ﬁtted with photovoltaic cells and heat recovery units, and will be made from local brick and timber.

-----

The Government have presented the greatest challenge the house building industry has ever had to face. Malcolm Bell, Chair Topic Work Group 4, Centre for the Built Environment

Member States shall ensure that by 31 December 2020, all new buildings are nearly zero-energy buildings’. The energy performance of buildings directive 2010/31/EU

The ambitious goal of achieving a net zero housing development is made all the more difﬁcult by the building performance gap, a common trend among low carbon developments where the actual energy demand and CO2 emissions can exceed the quantities expected during design. In one particular study commissioned by CIBSE these were found to be greater by factors of 1.8 and 2.5 respectively.

This gap is in large part caused by the expectations of future residents’ lifestyles in the design stages far outweighing their actual behaviour during occupancy; which, in itself, is a consequence of unclear user guidance and inadequate training during handover, leading to poor occupant understanding of the mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems and heat pumps, resulting in their misuse.

-----

Our building will educate future residents on how to achieve a low carbon lifestyle within their new homes.

PAGE|32

PHYSICAL SITE ANALYSIS

PAGE|33

ACCESS

COMMUNITY TO INFRASTRUCTURE

VIEWS OF SITE

Majority of the access comes from the west, both pedestrian, cyclists and vehicles. This activates the west faĂ§ade, becoming an integral part of the approach and a permeable frontage.

Across the section of the site there is a change in scale of the user; from human level to a large A-road and infrastructure. The building bridges the gap by nurturing the community whilst showcasing to the road.

Due to the ďŹ&#x201A;agship nature of the building, views are commonplace across the perimeter. Emphasis is on the western corners of the site, as well as the approach along the main road to showcase the building on a large scale.

BUILDING FOR THE UNKNOWN

ACOUSTIC BUFFER

GREEN RIBBON

The lack of knowledge for the adjacent buildings provides the opportunity to set precedent for what is to come. However, the scheme must consider the worst limiting factors additional buildings could create.

The presence of the A-road on the eastern boundary requires understanding of an acoustic buffer for the building and Flagship Square to be considered useable and comfortable spaces to be in.

Flagship Square and the site have the opportunity to continue the green ribbon of the future Brabazon development, providing a corridor for local wildlife and public space.

PAGE|34

Approach to site: An early iterative model.

PAGE|36

WOODLAND In an time of rapid habitat and biodiversity loss, we believed that a true Flagship Square would be one that gives the space back to nature. The square will become a key node on Brabazon’s site-long biodiversity corridor, with native tree species such as oak and beech ﬁlling the 80 by 80 metre space, and a variety of understorey species such as ﬁeld maple and hawthorn planted to encourage bird life.

PAGE|37

SITE PLAN 1:1000

1:1000 5 10

75M PAGE|38

1:100 DESIGNING ON A BUILDING SCALE

In 1891 Giles Gilbert Scott designed the Bankside power station. It generated electricity for the City of London and parts of Southwark until being decommissioned in 1981.

Since January 2000, the same building has been used to house the Tate Modern Art Gallery. It is one of the leading contemporary art galleries in the world and attracts close to six million visitors per year, exhibiting top artists from all over the world

-----

Before Tate acquired the building, it had also been proposed that the space be converted to an industrial museum, an entertainment hall, a hotel, an opera house and a conference and exhibition centre.

Due to its large uninterrupted ďŹ&#x201A;oor space, the building had a wide range of potential uses following the power stationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decommissioning. This meant it was far more likely to be reused than knocked down.

-----

RetroďŹ tting existing buildings is one of the largest challenges facing the building industry in the context of climate stabilization. Victor Olgyay & Cherlyn Seruto, AIA

We will ensure the future usability of our building by keeping the spaces large and uninterrupted.

PAGE|40

SCHEME RATIONALE CONCEPT DIAGRAMS

habitable

transitional

PAGE|41

exhibition spaces

habitable block

THERMAL ZONING

MASS AT NORTH

SOUTH FACING ROOF

The exhibition spaces are more transitional in nature and so require less heating than the inhabited ofﬁces and theatre.

Placing the habitable block at the north end of the building to prevent overshadowing of the exhibition spaces.

Sloping the roof to face south maximises the growth rate of the algae and efﬁciently accomodates the internal massing.

engineering practices private 350

150

public aerospace students

SEPARATE ENTRY

FLEXIBLE THEATRE

STUDENT INTEGRATION

Positioning entries at opposite ends to separate visiting members of the public from those working in the ofďŹ ces.

Dividing the auditorium spaces with an acoustic curtain that can retract to create a single 500 person theatre.

Helping Bristol retain more of its aerospace graduates by locating them alongside practicing engineers ofďŹ ces.

PAGE|42

SPECTRUM OF DESIGN PRECEDENTS sunlight

THE BIQ BUILDING Arup GmbH Hamburg

Providing sufďŹ cient evidence that algae bioreactors can be successfully implemented on a whole building scale. We were able use their published values for heat and energy output to tailor the form of our roof for maximIzed algae production.

SUSTAINABILE DESIGN

URBAN ALGAE FOLLY EcoLogic Studio Milan

Fabricating the meandering plastic membrane structures required to house the algae as it passes around the building.

PAGE|43

grey water

CO2

BIOMASS

TEXTILE ACADEMY NRW sop architekten Mönchengladbach

Mediating the light levels incident on the building’s facades by using a range of materials with differing levels of transparency.

FLAGSHIP ARCHITECTURE

TATE MODERN TURBINE HALL Giles Gilbert Scott London

Creating large uninterrupted ﬂoor spaces to maximise the building’s ﬂexibility and ensure its use for future generations. Introducing mezzanines which allow views out over the exhibition whilst forming a core part of the circulation.

PAGE|44

LOW CARBON DESIGN METHODOLOGY

DIRECT CO2 Calculate all measurable emissions, e.g. embodied carbon, extraction, transport and processing emissions etc

DESIGN PROPOSAL

DESIGN PROPOSAL IMPLEMENTED

e.g. material, layout, process etc

YES

INDIRECT CO2 Evaluate all effects of the design on the building’s carbon footprint, e.g. complexity, solar potential, implications on heating and lighting etc

PAGE|45

YES

FUNCTION

ALTERNATIVES

Will the proposal take away from the aesthetic or architectural quality of the building and compromise its ability to function as intended?

Are there any other approaches which could achieve the same effect with a lesser effect on the building’s carbon footprint?

FORM DEVELOPMENT

MAXIMUM AREA

MATERIAL EFFICENCY

Full site used for increased roof area to maximise production.

Primary steel arch structure.

DIRECT CO2

INDIRECT CO2

The large exhibition space requires an uninterrupted span of 35m. A parabolic arch would be a more materially efﬁcient way of spanning this distance, and would therefore have lower embodied carbon when constructed.

The building has a signiﬁcant area of roof which will be exposed to the south, even once adjacent developments are complete. This area could be increased by crimping the surface, and then ﬁtted with solar panels or algae.

PAGE|46

PAGE|47

INCREASED SURFACE AREA

MINIMISE OVERSHADOWING

Concertina the roof shape for larger production area.

Roof angled to reduce self-overshadowing during winter months.

INDIRECT CO2

DIRECT CO2

The roof will overshadow itself in the winter months when the sunlight is in the coming in at a low angle from the east and west. Tapering the plan in towards the south will reduce the amount of overshadowing.

Each arch will have a large embodied carbon footprint, due to both the steel and the concrete footings. If the arches are inclined and paired together, the footings can be shared and fewer arches will be required.

STRUCTURAL EFFICIENCY

ARCHITECTURAL INTERVENTION

Reducing number of arches required by inclining and pairing them.

Forming an entrance.

FUNCTION The south facing area of the roof is well reďŹ ned, but the plan lacks an obvious entry point as a result. A marginal rotation solves the issue.

DESIGN PROPOSAL IMPLEMENTED

PAGE|48

MATERIAL SELECTION PROCESS As a tensile membrane creating an external skin for the building, the envelope provides many opportunities to play around with the notion of transparency to allow enough daylight into the plan whilst providing potential views inside. An issue faced when using materials with transparent or translucent characteristics is the compromising of u-values. Taking a deterministic approach into the selection process, the material positioning responded to orientation and the placing of algae, including more opaque materials to address the thermal transmittance. Through experimentation with assigning different elements of the elevation set characteristic requirements and research into the possible material choices, an informed elevation was slowly developed. Within the translucent layer, a choice of a double ETFE membrane with a honeycomb acetate structure between improved the u-value. Acetate has a high absorptance for long-wave thermal radiation and high-transmittance for solar radiation. The pattern of the acetate structure further minimises the cross sectional area and material required.

Opaque Material with Algae Translucent/Transparent Material Glazing at Lower Levels

PAGE|49

OPTION 1 North light prioritised from the sky for efďŹ cient daylight factor and minimal glare. However the translucent layer causes loss of area for the microalgae bioreactors on the roof.

OPTION 2 Large amounts of daylight from roof and elevations but large areas of translucent material causes a compromise in the building fabric u-value.

OPTION 3 Large areas from the east and west allowing daylight to enter in addition to the two ends whilst maximum roof area remains for algae production.

WEST ELEVATION 1:200

1:200 1

20M

PAGE|50

Tectonic model exploring the footing detail as an emphasised piece of public furniture. PAGE|51

SOUTH ELEVATION 1:200

1:200 1

20M

PAGE|52

GROUND FLOOR 1:400 18

19 19

20 0 17 7 16 6

15 15

14 4 13

03 0 3

12 1 2 11 11

0 04 10 09 09

01 Public Entrance Foyer 02 Public Exhibition Space 03 Cafe 04 Servery,store and small exhibition control point 05 Rolling Exhibition Space 06 Kitchen 07 Maintenance stair to basement 08 Exhibition WC 09 Service Lift to basement and Public Lift 10 Staff store 11 Auditorium exit and lower foyer 12 Auditorium WC 13 Kitchen store and refrigeration 14 Banquet furniture store 15 Auditorium electrics and store 16 Large Auditorium 17 Green room 18 Private employee entrance foyer 19 Employee lift 20 Bicycle parking

PAGE|53

07 0 7

02 0 01

1:400 1

08 8

30M

Flagship Square

Cafe

EXHIBIT

SERVE

BANQUET B ANQUET

Allow the audience to spill into the small exhibition space following the product launch.

Position the cafe alongside Flagship Square to act independently for passing trade.

Utilise the open ﬂoor of the large exhibition space for occasional banqueting.

Banquet Kitchen

Cafe

VISIBILITY V ISIBILITY

OPEN

LOCALITY

Showcase the exhibition spaces to the public with views from Gloucester Road and Flagship Square.

Prevent large exhibition pieces, such as the FCB show homes, from overshadowing the open ground ﬂoor.

Allow the kitchen to serve both the cafe and banquet area to reduce infrequent use of space.

PAGE|54

DAY IN THE LIFE MOBILITY IMPAIRED Thursday 9th June 2022 Stephen and his daughter Emma arrive at the Brabazon Flagship building to view a typical show home from the latest phase of house building on the Filton AirďŹ eld site. Upon arrival, they are greeted by Edward, a YTL representative, who uses the Brabazon site model to show them where the house type they will be viewing is located within the masterplan. Stephen, a retired aerospace engineer himself, is fascinated by the areas history and is interested in moving to the site to be closer to his daughter. They are then introduced to Kosta who guides them and a group around the show home, while describing the sustainability principles behind its design.

PAGE|55

BASEMENT FLOOR 1:400

22 22 2 21

21 Algae Plant 22 General Building Plant 23 Exhibition Store 24 Service Lift 1:400 1 PAGE|57

30M

ALGAE CYCLE The executive decision to not produce any electricity on site is justiﬁed by the 25-30-year lifespan of a PV panel, by which time the grid would have decarbonised to such an extent that the carbon offset from self-generation would be insigniﬁcant. Rather than renewables on the building, microalgae bioreactors offer larger scale carbon offsetting, by direct carbon dioxide absorption and freeing up agricultural land.

Sun Energy Harnessed through Photosynthesis

Microalgae photobioreactor system

RAINWATER

Microalgae bioreactors integrated within the façade and roof of the building produce a speciﬁc strain of nutritional algae that can be used for livestock feed. One potential us would be selling it farmers in exchange for agricultural forests to be planted for the construction industry.

NUTRIENTS (BLACK WATER) WATER (GREY WATER)

HEAT

The operation of the microalgae bioreactors is shown in the right diagram. The algae are continuously pumped around several circuits within the tensile membrane throughout the day, being harvested in the basement plant in the evening once lighting becomes sub-optimum. The algaewater mix is contained within 20mm ETFE tubing that undulates across the whole façade and was a driving force behind the form development.

CLEAN WATER Algae Harvested

Fan

Heat Exchanger

Feeding Vessel

Temp. Controlled Container HEAT

WASTE WATER

CO2

BIOGAS Algal Biomass Animal Feed

Land Freed Up for Tree Planting O2 RELEASED

Far right: Space 10 Lab’s development of a photobioreactor to facilitate high production of microalgae. PAGE|58

DAY IN THE LIFE MAINTENANCE WORKER Monday 2nd September 2030 Rick and Scott start the week with the exciting arrival of a Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter which is being displayed as the opening piece in the large exhibition space after the Brabazon site model was removed last week. The following morning they wait for a spot of rain to clear before carrying out their quarterly checks on the algae pipework and roof fabric.

PAGE|59

FIRST FLOOR 1:400 30 0 29 9

28 27 25 25

25 Bar 26 Cloak Desk 27 Small Auditorium 28 Acoustic Curtain 29 Large Auditorium 30 OfďŹ ce Break-out 1:400 1 PAGE|61

30M

26 26

DISPLAY

PUBLIC

PRIVATE

Lightweight modular exhibition stands can easily be moved or re-conďŹ gured within the open exhibition spaces. These are removed during banqueting and dismantled into the ground ďŹ&#x201A;oor store.

Both exhibition spaces can be fully open to the public when sliding doors are pulled back for a large continuous space.

Entry to the private exhibition space is controlled by sliding doors to increase interest in visiting exhibitors. This also allows private auditorium exit directly into a controlled start-up exhibition

PAGE|62

DAY IN THE LIFE CORPORATE EVENT Thursday 21st July 2039 John has been invited to attend the 40th birthday of BAE Systems at the Centre for Low Emission Aerospace Research where BAE sponsor ofﬁce based researchers from UWE and University of Bristol and where they regularly host product launches. As a celebration of this milestone, the defence and aerospace company have invited various esteemed colleagues from across the sector to join them in an afternoon of lectures and presentations on the company’s history and future followed by drinks and a banquet in the exhibition spaces, where an old Euroﬁghter Typhoon is being displayed.

PAGE|63

SECOND FLOOR 1:400 3 33 32 32

31 31

31 Small Auditorium 32 Large Auditorium 33 OfďŹ ce Break-out 1:400 1 PAGE|65

30M

AUDITORIUM FLEXIBILITY 1.Two separate lectures divided by acoustic curtain 2.Bleacher seating is retracted allowing a workshop session in the small auditorium and lecture in the large auditorium to simultaneously take place 3.A product launch with retracted acoustic curtain allowing 500 person capacity PAGE|66

DAY IN THE LIFE LECTURER Tuesday 7th November 2045 Rebecca arrives early in the morning to setup the small auditorium into a workshop space for her 10am seminar with 3rd year UWE aerospace engineering students. She folds back the bleacher seating at the push of a button and unpacks the chairs and tables from the storage cupboard with the help of a caretaker. Later in the day Rebecca is giving a lecture to some Masters students, and so will need to reconďŹ gure the room after this morningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seminar. Luckily a few of the students are happy to assist after the morning session and the room is ready for a lecture in no time.

PAGE|67

OFFICE FLOORS 1:400

36 36 37 37

34 4

The office plans step inwards on each floor above this base level around the central atrium. They follow the same plan with the east side stepping in up to a sixth floor 34 Flexible Office Space 35 Social Atrium 36 Employee facilities: WC, showers and kitchen 37 Shared CAD-CAM room 1:400 1 PAGE|69

30M

4 1

5 4 1

2 3 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

COM OMPA PANY NY 1 COM OMPA PANY NY 2 COM OMPA PANY NY 3 SER ERVI VICE CES S CAD-CAM AD-C AD -CAM AM SERVICES

OFFICE FLEXIBILITY To accommodate the growth of the start-up engineering companies, the ofﬁce area provides space ﬂexibility with moveable partitions. The central atrium will remain as a shared social space, used by YTL clients, UWE students and start-up company employees.

PAGE|70

DAY IN THE LIFE OFFICE WORKER Friday 15th April 2050 Brandon and Keira, both 3rd year Masters Aerospace Engineering students at UWE, are now fully settled in on their placement with a 3D simulation start up based in the Brabazon Flagship building. After a long week of discussions about a new opportunity with a major client, the team enjoy some evening downtime “out” on the terrace, where they can socialise with people from the various other companies based in the building’s ofﬁces.

PAGE|71

LIFECYCLE 01

Educating Homeowners. During its initial lifetime, the building will have a programme dedicated to serving as a hub for YTL and the emerging surrounding development. At entry point into the building the large exhibition space will display a 1:100, 30m long, model of the future Filton AirďŹ eld and exhibition panels conveying various information about the new community. From there the visiting public or investors may make their way into the large auditorium, via the mezzanine that divides the two exhibition spaces, to view presentations about YTLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s scheme. The exit from the auditorium spills into the smaller, rolling exhibition space which, during life 1, will serve the purpose of displaying show homes to potential residents with a focus on educating them on how to live in their future home sustainably, and reduce the performance gap. The mezzanine bar space and adjustable small auditorium provide the opportunity to host public events during the wider redevelopment in order to establish a healthy community. Building Community.

Exhibiting Brabazon.

The ďŹ&#x201A;agship building during its initial 10 year lifetime.

PAGE|73

OCCUPANCY PROJECTION 2020-2030 From 2020-2030 the users of the building are expected to grow as relationships are established between local engineering start-ups, international companies looking for UK bases and UWE students. The ofﬁce and auditorium spaces in particular are used by a diverse range of building users, managed through a timetabled booking system. This projection of use has informed environmental strategy of conditioned and semiconditioned zones. 03

LIGHTING

Sun Light

2000

1800

2200

0000

0200

0400 0

PUBLIC B SHOWCASE W

GENERAL E PUBLIC P HOMES M SHOWCASE A

INFORMATION O T T TA TALK

COMMUNITY OM GROUP G O WORKSHOPS K O S 03

POTENTIAL A HOMEOWNERS M N

LARGE AUDITORIUM

05 07

OFFICE BREAK-OUT

06 06

UWE U W LECTURE UR

UWE LECTURE T

SMALL AUDITORIUM

PREPARATION P A IO 02

OFFICES

CATERING

PERFORMANCE P R C GAP P EDUCATION U

START-UP A U UWE STUDY D BREAKFAST A MEETING E N

PUBLIC I YTL PITCHING G CONSULTATION C N A N

COMMUNITY O W WORKSHOP H

START-UP R P MEETING T

YTL DISCUSSION S S GROUP P

YTL TL BUYER UY M MEETING N

START-UP R ENGINEERING I I COMPANIES C N & UWE E STUDENT D MIXED D USE E

CAFE/BAR C B SERVING S N ALL L USERS E

Controlled d

1600

SMALL EXHIBITION

Mechaniccal

Open

1400 4

LARGE EXHIBITION

PREPARATION P A IO

TEMPERATUR RE

1200

GENERAL PUBLIC G U SITE E SHOWCASE W E

Natural

1000

01 02

Artiﬁcial Light

VENTILATIO ON

0800 0

North Lighht

0600

Semi-conditioned spaces vs heavily conditioned spaces

BACK OF HOUSE

RECEPTION R T AND TOUR T STAFF F

PAGE|74

LIFECYCLE 02

In the ďŹ nal years of the construction of the Brabazon development the building will transform to become a centre for low emission aerospace research. Where the currently existing Aerospace Bristol museum exhibits the history of the industry in the locality this building will instead centre itself around the future of aerospace in Bristol.

Encouraging Collaboration. Rolling Exhibition.

The large exhibition space will host long term aerospace exhibits available to the public which can be viewed from various vantage points throughout the building such as the mezzanine bar or feature staircase. The adaptable auditoria will play host to UWE/ Bristol University aerospace students for lectures and workshops, visiting or resident professionals for seminars or CPD, and aerospace businesses for large or small scale product launches. A rolling exhibit will occupy the small exhibition space displaying recently launched products or themed around topics of study by local students or researchers.

Industry Lead Learning.

Large Exhibition Piece.

The ďŹ&#x201A;agship building during its second 10 year lifetime and beyond.

PAGE|75

OCCUPANCY PROJECTION 2030-FUTURE From 2030 the building will showcase a green future for aviation technology, increasing the interest from start-up companies. Flexible ofямБce arrangements will facilitate this growth whilst also continuing to support UWE students.

0600

0800 0

1000

1200 0

1400 1 4

1600

180 18 1800

2000

2200

0000

0200

0400 0

LARGE EXHIBITION GENERAL EN PUBLIC B TECHNOLOGY T N Y SHOWCASE O SE

PRER LAUNCH U

SMALL EXHIBITION

The continuous work of the engineering companies culminates in product launches; a national showcase of green aerospace technology. Visitors move through the building from gathering in the public exhibition, listening to the product launch in the auditorium, viewing the products then discussing with a banquet.

GENERAL G A PUBLIC START-UP T SHOWCASE O

POST T LAUNCH U EXHIBITION H I

EDUCATIONAL E N WORKSHOPS O H LARGE AUDITORIUM

PREPARATION P A IO TAKE AN CLOSER LOOK AT THE

FLAGSHIP SQUARE

PREPARATION P A IO

1800 1900 2030 2100

GATHER LAUNCH VIEW BANQUET

PRODUCT P U LAUNCH A H

PRODUCT R T EDUCATION O

OFFICE BREAK-OUT

OFFICES

BRABAZON

20.05.2025

PRODUCT P U LAUNCH A H

UWE LECTURE T

SMALL AUDITORIUM

E-FAN X BOUGHT TO YOU BY AIR BUS & ROLLS ROYCE

UWE U W LECTURE UR

CATERING

START-UP A U UWE STUDY U S Y BREAKFAST A MEETING E N

START-UP R P MEETING T

UWE E SEMINAR MI

START-UP R ENGINEERING I I COMPANIES C N & UWE E STUDENT D MIXED D USE E

CAFE/BAR C B SERVING S N ALL L USERS E BACK OF HOUSE

An invitation to the latest product launch

POST O LAUNCH H BANQUET

RECEPTION R T AND TOUR T STAFF F

PAGE|76

1:10 DESIGNING

UNDERSTANDING THE BUILDING SHOWCASING SUSTAINABILITY FROM THE OUTSET

ALGAE

CONSTRUCTION

FLAGSHIP SQUARE

As a sustainable solution to the UK’s land requirements, the algae bioreactor on the roof is visible externally and internally at human level.

Within the scheme, all structure is on show to interact with, presenting the visitor with an understanding of sustainable construction and minimising any unnecessary extra materials.

The approach to the building, and the stage for the scheme’s sustainable goals. Flagship Square puts the plan into action by using it as wooded land to absorb carbon and support biodiversity.

PAGE|78

ROOF CONSTRUCTION

5 4 8

3 CANOPY STRUCTURE 1. 1200mm Ø, 7000mm pile foundations. 2. 3000mm Ø, 500mm concrete footing. 3. Custom steel arch to footing connection. 4. 800mm Ø, 20mm thick, primary steel arches. 5. 300mm Ø, 15mm thick, secondary steel structure. 6. 60mm Ø spiral strand cable structure.

CANOPY FABRIC 7. Translucent ETFE foil. 8. 35mm thick opaque membrane. 9. Algae tubing under transparent ETFE foil.

CANOPY STRUCTURE PAGE|79

CANOPY FABRIC

FABRIC CONNECTION

ARCH FOUNDATION

CABLE CONNECTION

1. 30mm Ø spiral strand cable. 2. 800mm Ø 20mm thick CHS. 3. Fabricated connection to “clamp” roof to structure @ 200 CTS. 4. Rubber “O” ring.

1. 800mm Ø, 20mm thick CHS. 2. 60mm Ø spiral strand cable. 3. Fabricated end plate with stiffeners - ﬁllet weld. 4. Fabricated hinge connection with stiffeners. 80mm Ø pin in slotted hole. 5. Base plate on grout - 8 No. holding down bolts. 6. 1200mm Ø pile foundation.

1. 30mm Ø spiral strand cable. 2. Fabricated connection to “clamp” roof to structure @ 200 CTS. 3. Rubber “O” ring.

PAGE|80

ENTRANCE FOYER DETAILS 1:40

Section taken through the ground ï¬&#x201A;oor at the south end of the exhibition space.

1:40 @ A3 0.1

0.5

1.0

2.0

3.0M

1:20 @ A3 (see opposite) 0.2

PAGE|81

1.0

2.0

4.0

6.0M

5 3 4 1

MULLION JUNCTION 1:20

OFFICE FLOOR 1:20

1. 102 x 203 x 23 UB

1. 30mm sandstone tiles

2. Slimdrive SL NT automatic

2. 60mm screed with underďŹ&#x201A;oor heating pipes @200cts

sliding glass door 3. 100mm rigid insulation

3. 140mm concrete with reinforcement mesh

4. 38 x 220 timber joists @600cts 5. Ply board reinforced studs to achieve 750mm ceiling depth 6. 47mm triple glazing

4. 70mm rigid insulation

1. 0.7mm gauge standing seam zinc roof panel 2. 18mm structural ply board 3. Damp-proof membrane 4. 100mm rigid insulation 5. 18mm plasterboard

5. Damp-proof membrane 6. 50mm blinding 7.

285mm backďŹ ll

PAGE|82

N-S SECTION 1:250

PAGE|83

30M

North stairs with exposed services. PAGE|84

HABITABLE BLOCK CONSTRUCTION

7 3 2 HABITABLE BLOCK STRUCTURE 1. 2700mm square, 1000mm deep pad foundations. 2. 400mm square, outter glulam columns. 3. 350mm x 1250mm glulam beams. 4. 400mm square, atrium glulam columns. 5. Steel cross bracing. HABITABLE BLOCK FABRIC 6. 420mm rendered straw bale auditorium wall. 7. Typical ofﬁce fabric. 8. Typical ofﬁce level. 9. Habitable block roof.

6 1

HABITABLE BLOCK STRUCTURE PAGE|85

HABITABLE BLOCK FABRIC

STRAW BALE FOUNDATION

GLULAM BEAM CONNECTION

GLULAM COLUMN BASE

1. 320mm straw bale wall. 2. 50mm lime render. 3. Timber spike to connect straw bale wall. 4. Sole plate. 5. Damp proof course. 6. Flexible insulation ﬁller. 7. Ground slab. 8. Insulation. 9. Damp proof membrane. 10. Trench ﬁll foundation.

1. 400mm square, glulam column. 2. 350mm x 1250mm glulam beam. 3. Fabricated steel slotted connection ﬁxed to glulam with structural screws. 4. Recessed connection for ﬁre protection.

1. 400mm square glulam column. 2. Fabricated glulam column steel connection. 3. Flexible insulation ﬁller. 4. Insulating foam board. 5. Insulation. 6. Damp proof membrane. 7. Insulation around steel stub.

PAGE|86

BREAKOUT TERRACE DETAILS 1:50

Section taken through the ﬁfth and sixth ﬂoors of the habitable block.

1:50 @ A3 0.1

0.5

1.0

2.0

3.0M

1:25 @ A3 (see opposite) 0.2

PAGE|87

1.0

2.0

4.0

6.0M

5 6 4

OFFICE BALCONY 1:25

OFFICE FLOOR 1:25 1. 12mm wood laminate

1. 600 x 350 glulam beam

1. ETFE Foil

2. 800 x 350 glulam beam

2. 40mm algae tubing @200cts

3. Full height double glazing

3. PTFE membrane

2. 20mm screed

4. 150 x 1600 timber balustrade

4. 60mm insulation

3. 2mm soundprooﬁng membrane

5. Bench ﬁnish to tenant’s

5. Flexible PTFE lining

4. 20mm structural ply board

speciﬁcation 6. 160 x 80 bracing @1200cts

ﬂoorboards

5. 75 x 220 timber joists @600cts 6. 50 x 75 channel section 7.

20mm acoustic board

8. 12mm plasterboard

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E-W SECTION 1:250

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30M

Section model through auditorium, ofďŹ ces and atrium. PAGE|90

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STRUCTURAL ROOF PLAN 1:400

STRUCTURAL S UC U KEY: 800mm Ø CHS, 20mm thick 300mm Ø CHS, 15mm thick 60mm Ø spiral strand cable 30mm Ø spiral strand cable

1:400 1

30M PAGE|92

CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCE STRUCTURAL CANOPY The construction sequence and maintenance has been considered throughout the process of the scheme to evaluate the buildability of such a largescale building. With such a process, the roof is made up of a series of sections of the sandwiched material to enable it to be replaced easily if one part were to fault.

PILE FOUNDATIONS 1. Bore holes into ground and place casing and reinforcement. 2. Place formwork for groundwork and reinforcement. 3. Pour concrete and set holding down bolts, grout and base plates.

MAIN ARCHES 4. Fix arches to base plates.

SECONDARY STRUCTURE 7. Attach a secondary cable structure which supports the roof.

11. Strap down the tying cable to form the trough.

5. Build up the arch between splices and prop up the apex with a central tower.

8. Connect the secondary arches.

12. Repeat for the remaining arches.

6. Connect the apex with adjustable vent connection to form an arch pair.

9. Thread tying cable to the secondary cables. Clamp roof fabric to structure.

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TYING CABLE

CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCE HABITABLE BLOCK Construction begins on the habitable block once the roof structure and envelope has been complete. This is to allow the use of straw bales as insulation due to its susceptibility to rain. Details are designed for ease of construction due to the limited head height to work, with hydraulic jacks and hoists being used.

PAD FOUNDATIONS

GROUND FLOOR

1. Excavate area for foundations and set formwork.

4. Connect glulam columns to base plates.

2. Pour concrete into foundations.

5. Lift beams into place with hydraulic jacks and connect to columns.

Fix base plate into foundations on grout with 3. resin anchors.

TIMBER FLOOR 6. Connect ﬂoor joist to glulam beams with joist hangers.

UPPER FLOORS 10. Lift beams onto upper ﬂoors with winch system.

7. Connect noggins between joists.

11. Using hydraulic jacks, place columns and beams and connect them together.

8. Fix plywood over joists.

12. Add timber ﬂoor and bracing.

9. Connect steel cross bracing cables.

13. Repeat for upper levels.

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MATERIALS CHOICE

VERNACULAR

ENVIRONMENTAL SHOWCASE The material choice is determined by the balancing the functional characteristics and overall environmental comparisons with aesthetics requirements as explored earlier in the report. One of the major decisions is the steel super-structure versus the glulam internal building. Understanding the context and appropriateness of materials provokes the use of steel on the larger scale where glulam would have been required to be sourced elsewhere, whereas within the internal building it is more suitable. The juxtaposition between the building envelope and habitable block is one that is further augmented by this material choice whilst addressing the educational element of the building as a means of understanding structural potential. From an environmental point of view, the project takes two stances on material choice, both of which are equally viable: The ﬁrst looks to ﬁnd new, innovative ways to form solutions to the more prevalent environmental needs, seen in the inaugural use of honeycomb acetate structures for transparent insulation on a large scale and algae bioreactors around the façade. The range of lightweight plastics used throughout the envelope responds to the needs of the building whilst using a smaller amount per m2 compared to other methods of cladding, thus reducing the embodied energy and minimising foundations. The second method is learning from the vernacular. The project takes the notion of a traditional English house, studying the organic use of local, low-energy and renewable materials that are readily available. Creating a basic structure within a controlled environment allows the creative exploration of materials such as straw bales and lime render. The habitable block therefore becomes a contemporary showcase of a ‘home grown’ aesthetic to create a shift in the way the public currently view such materials.

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INNOVATIVE

PTFE

ROLLED STEEL

ALGAE

GLULAM

Used as a lining and membrane for the external skin, creating a lightweight roof to reduce structural load. PTFE can also provide racking resistance for the arches. To improve the U-value, the lining and membrane is sandwiched with insulation under the algae and prevents an unnatural green glow into the building.

Circular hollow section steel used as the primary structure due to the large scale and feasibility compared to glulam. Comparing both the embodied energy and lifespan, steel outperformed after normalising it against a 100 year lifecycle and it’s recyclability potential.

Visible from the exterior within ETFE tubes, the algae becomes a ﬂagship for the building whilst being in prime position for optimum growth across the façade.

At a smaller scale, glulam is a more appropriate material choice and offers a low embodied energy. The lightweight characteristics also reduce the foundation load and concrete requirements. This is sourced from Buckland Timber; one of the few UK suppliers that grow their timber locally.

ETFE

POLYCARBONATE

STEEL BRACING

STRAW BALE

Continuing the use of a lightweight, ﬂexible skin to provide racking resistance. Used within the ‘A’ roof elements to allow daylight into the building and minimise the use artiﬁcial light. A double layer is required to minimise heat losses with a transparent insulation structure between (see below).

To minimise the amount of glazing within the openings, the upper sections are polycarbonate. This further reduces the structural load whilst on the south façade, reducing glare and overheating of the internal space within the summer months without compromising on daylight.

Emphasising the structural methods of the building, thin steel bracing is poetically seen upon the habitable block between columns from the exhibition space below and requires far less materials than if it were to be hidden.

Used as insulation between the glulam structure, straw bales have a low embodied energy whilst also remaining a low U-value. As the bales are protected from the exterior conditions by the outer building envelope, they are protected from moisture ingress and are an appropriate choice with minimal complications.

ACETATE

GLASS

CONCRETE

LIME RENDER

Arranged in a honeycomb pattern between the ETFE layers, this provides cost-effective transparent insulation compared to similar options such as aerogel. Acetate has a high absorptance for longwave thermal radiation and hightransmittance for solar radiation. The pattern of the acetate structure further minimises the cross sectional area and material required.

Used where appropriate at ground level to offer views inside and showcase the exhibition to the passing cars. Along the west and east, it further creates a permeable façade to connect with the community and passers by.

Used only within the foundations and exposed in the footings to become public furniture. The scheme is mindful to decrease the amount required where possible.

A breathable lime render is applied to each face of the straw bales to prevent rot and ensure ﬁre protection. The lime render keeps the organic texture of the straw bales to offer a tactile yet bright interior by using a vernacular technique.

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TEMPERATURE AND VENTILATION CONTROL ZONING Due to the different occupancy levels of the building, the heating and ventilation requirements have been separated into three distinct zones; the exhibition area, auditoriums and office spaces. The exhibition space is a semi-conditioned space; an area where it is expected members of the public will dress appropriately for a weather-tight yet semi-external environment. This enables a lower heating, cooling and ventilation intensity than the auditoria and office zones, reducing energy demand. The auditoria are subject to infrequent but high occupancy use. This is managed by a localised strategy using displacement ventilation diffusers. A local MVHR is used to avoid over sizing the central MVHR for the intermittent use of this zone. The office spaces use mixing ventilation, supplied through a thermal labyrinth, with localised AHU units to create comfortable working temperatures. Both zones two and three require relatively intense conditioning, however this is offset by the majority of the buildings volume being semi-conditioned.

ZONE 1- EXHIBITION ZONE 2- AUDITORIA ZONE 3- OFFICES

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TEMPERATURE AND VENTILATION CONTROL ZONE 1- EXHIBITION This zone strategy proposed to heat, cool and ventilate only at low level where occupants are located. This limits the overall energy demand of the building and utilises the inherent stack effect of the high arches. Displacement ventilation powered by underﬂoor heating causes warm stale air to rise into an exhaust zone. An MVHR at the top of the habitable block utilises any heat capacity whilst the opening of chimney vents at the apex of the CHS arches purges the air, preventing the exhaust zone falling to occupancy level.

EXHAUST ZONE

Closed chimney detail to limit heat loss whilst underﬂoor heating warms low level air

Open chimney detail exhausts h stale air increasing the gradient of displacement ventilation

OCCUPIED ZONE

GSHP AHU 1 CENTRAL MVHR

OCCUPIED ZONE

GSHP AHU 1 CENTRAL MVHR

SUMMER COOLING

WINTER HEATING

The majority of cooling will occur when the apex chimney opens, creating a negative pressure and increasing the ventilation rate which cools the space at low level. Due to comfort at ankle level, only the remainder cooling requirement will be sourced through reversing the GSHP and utilising the AHU.

The ground source heat pump supplies the heating demand. This input of warm air aids the displacement ventilation. Passive heat gain from the habitable ofﬁces into this gain reduces the overall energy requirement.

The underﬂoor heating combined with ground mounted diffusers creates a grid of heating and ventilation, aided by the thermal conductivity of a sandstone tile ﬁnish.

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TEMPERATURE AND VENTILATION CONTROL ZONE 2- AUDITORIA This auditoria are subject to intermittent and high levels of occupancy use and therefore require a heavily localised strategy. The space is ﬁtted with two types of displacement ventilation diffusers which output cooler air to displace warm stale air, which is naturally funnelled to the back of the auditorium where it is mechanically heat recovered and exhausted. A local MVHR is used to prevent over sizing of the central MVHR for infrequent use. The main block of seating has ﬂoor mounted diffusers whereas the bleacher seating uses wall mounted diffusers.

500 5 00

AUDIENCE NUMBER

400 4 00

300 3 00

200 2 00

AHU 1

100 1 00

LOCAL MVHR

0 0600

0 0 0900

1200

1500

1800 0

2100 TIME

Small Auditorium Large Auditorium Launch Mode Example Auditoria Occupancy - Product Launch day PAGE|99

TEMPERATURE AND VENTILATION CONTROL ZONE 3 - OFFICES The use of displacement ventilation as a strategy throughout the rest of the building has been adapted for the ofﬁce spaces, due to the room heights being lower than 3m. Air is preconditioned via a thermal labyrinth and drawn up the central atrium of the ofﬁces, aided by the passive movement caused by differences in temperature and height. Localised AHU’s cool or warm this air to a level of comfort and create a temperature gradient for mixing ventilation to take place. Air enters and exhausts at high level to reduce thermal variations on occupants. The exhausted stale air is ducted to a central service core or passively exhausted into the exhaust area of zone 1. This zoning of heating, cooling and ventilation requirements is successful in reducing the overall energy demand of the building by utilising any passive gain from fabric or height and supplementing shortfalls through localised strategies. CENTRAL MVHR

AHU 1 THERMAL LABYRINTH

AIR MOVEMENT

CONTROLLED VENTILATION

The transparent service core at the north of the building houses the central MHVR system which is supplied by both the exhaust space of zone 1 and the ducts exhausting the ofﬁces.

5m duct situated on the east boundary of the site avoids concentrated air pollutants from cars and sits within the proposed trees.

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LIGHTING & ACOUSTICS Careful consideration of the outer fabric material is required to ensure adequate (but not excessive) daylighting within the building. The exterior envelope of the building is divided into a completely transparent glazed section (to the height of the east & west curtain walling), translucent ETFE sections (between arches converging at the apex), translucent polycarbonate sections (above the glazed section at the north & south ends), and opaque fabric build up sections (between arches converging at ground level). The central atrium core through the ofﬁces provides for better daylight penetration into the deep plan by ensuring that the depth of each room did not exceed 2.5 x window height (7.5m in this case). Photoelectric dimming will be implemented so that artiﬁcial lighting is only used to meet the appropriate required illuminances.

Fixed track lighting Adjustable track lighting Recessed down-lighters Wall-mounted up-lighting Movable lighting ﬁxtures Ground level up-lighting Spot lights

Custom lighting posts

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Naturally lit exhibition space supplemented when necessary by ground level up-lighting and custom “lighting posts”.

Naturally lit atrium terrace to be supplemented when necessary by movable light ﬁxtures on tables and wall mounted up-lighting.

Atrium “house lights” provided by track lighting between glulam beams. Focused spot lights located above forward end of audience.

Naturally lit ofﬁces supplemented when necessary by adjustable track lighting and wall mounted up-lighting.

North lit circulation space supplemented where necessary by wall mounted up-lighting.

Artiﬁcially lit support spaces (i.e. ofﬁce kitchens & toilets) to be provided by recessed downlights.

ACOUSTIC CURTAIN

STRAW BALE CONSTRUCTION

WEB FABRIC ABSORBER

A double 100mm thick, Dorma Variﬂex movable acoustic partition wall is to be used to separate the lecture theatres, due to its high sound reduction index of 57dB. This prevents the transmission of sound should both rooms be in use at the same time.

The acoustic insulating properties of straw bale lends itself well to dampen reverberation and prevent the transmission of sound through the auditorium walls (sound reduction index of 41dB).

A fine, flexible web fabric absorber should be fixed to the underside of the PTFE roof to reduce the mid-frequency reverberation time to the values below: ܶαͲǤͳ͸ͳܸȀȋσȋߙ݉ܵȌαͳǤͳͺ ‫ ݏ݀݊݋ܿ݁ݏ‬ȋ‫݄ݐ݅ݓ‬ ‫ݏݐ݊ܽ݌ݑܿܿ݋‬Ȍ

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RAINWATER PRINCIPLES The efﬁcient structural approach of using arches naturally creates high and low points within the roof structure of the building. To utilise this form, in combination with the tension cables creating fabric valleys, rainwater is collected at each footing. The principles are derived from the most simple of natures forms; the leaf. The tensile fabric’s valley proﬁle channels water into large rainwater pipes, situated behind the footing. This is re-used as grey water throughout the building as well as supplying the algae plant. At the end points of the valleys the tensile fabric is shaped to divert water through eyelets into rainwater pipes. The secondary ground level arches have similar fabric gutters which channel rainwater into this central collection. Bristol Average Annual Rainfall = 819mm Roof Collection Area = 4200m2 Annual Rainwater Collection = 3439m2

COLLECT

Rainwater collection

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STORE

RAINWATER CONNECTIONS 2 6 5

3 4

1 4 5

7 8

3 2

7 1

6 9

8 1

SECONDARY ARCH

RAINWATER COLLECTION

RWP TO FOUNDATION

1.Structural ‘Tee’ welded to secondary arch 2.Exterior cladding 3.Insulation 4.Secondary CHS Arch 300mm ø 5.Tensile fabric roof

1.Rainwater pipe 2.Fabricated cable to RWP connection 3.Eyelet in tensile fabric for RWP

1.60mm ø Spiral Strand Cable 2.Fabricated cable to RWP connection 3.Rainwater Pipe 4.Channel in foundation to divert rainwater

1:10

6.Tapering of fabric roof due to absence of algae tubing 7.Insulation board 8.Clamping connection 9.Mullion Window ﬁxing bracket

1:20

4.Tensile fabric shaped to divert rainwater to eyelet 5.60mm ø spiral strand cable 6.Tensile algae roof 7.120mm ø CHS 6.3mm thick 8.Thermal bridge detail 9.Mullion Window

1:20

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Working as architects and engineers on such a project from the outset presents the opportunity to design a fully integrated and informed building, understanding the functional, sustainable and aesthetic needs and how to achieve them. In a changing world that depends on collaboration and the sharing of ideas to come up with innovative solutions, cross-sector working is crucial. So much so, that the whole building is designed with that idea in mind. ----Together we set out as a team our intentions for the project, as acknowledged by the previous manifestos elaborating on the impact of our building from international all the way down to human scale. Working as a group full of passionate members had many great advantages; when in agreement, the project would excel, and proďŹ cient resolutions would be quickly formed. A difference of interests would only cause great discussions, resulting (eventually) in a cohesive response with everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience in mind.

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WEEK 1 CAN ARCHITECTURE MAKE ENERGY? After receiving the project, the brief quickly created itself; a centre for sustainable aerospace technology and innovations. Within the hub of the aerospace industry and education, we wanted the building to inform any users of technologies and create an environment for the cross circulation of ideas between students and professionals. From the outset, we were determined to create a ﬂagship building that had a widespread impact towards creating a greener future, not only in its use but also in its operation.

Exploration into the integration of Venturi tunnels within the building envelope.

Following several experiments and calculations, the issue of the unknown surroundings became prevalent, causing us to question the efﬁciency of such a building once others had been built adjacent.

One of the big questions we first asked ourselves was ‘Can architecture create energy?’. We had witnessed on site the high winds across the airfield and were determined to utilise this. In collaboration with some of the aerospace engineering students, we began forming the structure using venturi tunnels to accelerate air flows through the centre of our building to create electricity, whilst driving our ventilation strategies.

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Understanding the Venturi Effect and how we can use building form to create this.

Studying the internal experience of the building as an educational spectacle; promoting sustainable aerospace technologies.

Unfortunately by the end of the week, the idea of a wind driven building was obsolete and we began to look elsewhere for other ways the shape of the architecture could be informed by energy creation...

WEEK 2 ANALYSING SPACES AND STRUCTURES As a key part of our agenda was not creating additional energy requirements where possible, the idea of a habitable block within a transitional space emerged. This allowed us to categorise rooms into conditioned and semi-conditioned spaces, such as the exhibition, that could function on a larger temperature range.

Graph processing the daily usage of each space to inform our reﬁned schedule of accommodation and plan generation for efﬁcient placement of spaces and functions.

Early plan and section development using the idea of multiple levels for views and establishing a separate conditioned block.

To explore this option in detail and ways we could minimise the required spaces, we mapped out the schedule of accommodation against the thermal, acoustic, ventilation and lighting conditions (see right image). Within the research, we further plotted the usage of each space throughout the day to determine any opportunity to combine functions. In addition to the exploration of the plan, we worked tangentially in a spreadsheet that could take the required footprint of spaces and set the width and length of the structure to optimise the span for both an arch structure and ﬂat roof. It was this week we formed our rationale based on these ﬁndings and site analysis.

First maquettes exploring the idea of a habitable block within a transitional shell. PAGE|108

WEEK 3 FORM FINDING With an arch structure decided, we began by playing about with the formation of the arches using pieces of wire and foam until a general form began to develop (see right image). Pairing the footings and apex not only produced a rhythmic shape, but the structure was stronger and more stable – reaffirming our priority of structural efficiency. Our debate into how architecture can make energy had landed us at the idea of solar panels and algae bioreactors on the roof to produce electricity and biomass. Both of these mechanisms required sunlight; solar requiring direct south sunlight and algae needing less direct ambient daylight. Using wire and foam as a design exercise, this model became the starting point for all later forms. Working with the engineers, we paired the apex and footings of the arches for increased efficiency and fluent form.

angle of the winter solstice. With our building as a ﬂagship, to maximise energy production, the roof needed to be as large as possible; taking up much of the site. As the given structure was forming peaks and troughs across the north-south section of the building, parts of the roof were overshadowed. To minimise this, we took the angle of the sun at the winter solstice and used this to inform the tapering of our structure so that the south facing panels would always be in direct line with the sun throughout the year.

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Using wire and foam as a design exercise, this model became the starting point for all later forms. Working with the engineers, we paired the apex and footings of the arches for increased efﬁciency and ﬂuent form.

Early studies into the internal building within an arch and the formation of a parabola.

WEEK 4 INTERIM REVIEW

WEEK 5 EVALUATION AND REMEDY Reﬂecting on comments made at interim, we made an executive decision to remove all solar and cover our roof with tubes full of algae. As they run on several circuits across the roof, all the algae would receive similar amounts of sunlight and the minimised overshadowing form would work in favour of production. Initially we had planned to use the algal biomass for off-site energy production, however we realised we could have a much larger impact if we were to use the algae as animal feed due to its high growth rate. Using this, we could work with the agricultural industry to free up land for industrial forests. Henceforth providing materials for the construction industry, such as the structural frame of the habitable block within our building.

Visualising the connection between the glazing layer and the outer shell to create vertical openings.

Although we had intended to use most of the footprint for energy production, we prioritised the importance of running costs and materials usage – reducing the plan where possible. Each member took the time to reinterpret the plan and ﬁnd ways it could be altered. This exercise resulted in the moving of kitchens and the creation of a smaller mezzanine on the west overlooking ﬂagship square for the café and bar.

Details also began to emerge for the secondary arch structures holding the openings and the development and modelling of a concise footing detail. PAGE|111

The section between the curved arch and a vertical plane at human level became a complex task to understand and ﬁnalise. Within our drawings we explored the possibilities for this connection.

Forming a relationship with the outer structure.

WEEK 6 ARCHITECTURAL INTERVENTION We came to a large hurdle midway through this week as a second tutor pointed out how our building doesn’t form an entrance where it would be expected at the pinnacle of the tapered plan. We were also questioned on our lack of response to flagship square. So far we had been so concerned about our building facing exactly south and energy production that we had perhaps neglected the human scale of the building. Following this, we had an intervention as a team, crowding round several pieces of trace and furiously scribbling away into the night, with a beer in hand to get the creative juices flowing. After many iterations and animated discussions, we came to a solution. By rotating the plan 15 degrees, the west edge became parallel with flagship square for a permeable facade whilst we rationalised the plan to make an entrance at the northern tip. Further changes included exposing parts of the arches to define the entrance and break the symmetry we had so closely held onto. For the large, transitional space to work well semiconditioned whilst requiring small energy input, we found it was a careful balancing act between daylight and u-values; two factors we didn’t want to compromise on. This led us into researching the possibilities and restraints of transparency and insulative value, coming up with an innovative solution.

Student house experiment - the thermometer eventually dropped to 13.6 degrees and we were comfortable in thick coats, giving us conﬁdence in the larger temperature range we had set that would reach down to 16 degrees. PAGE|112

WEEK 7 COHESION In the penultimate week, focus shifted onto the refining of details and structural systems. Models were made to demonstrate the fully integrated system at the footings and the connection between the structure, footings, rainwater collection and algae harvesting. In this exercise, slight changes were introduced to the plan to create a more succinct structural grid for the habitable block. Working into Flagship Square, it was decided that the logical approach to the space was the planting of an urban forest to follow through our idea about providing more land to hit the government’s goals for tree planting. This continued the green ribbon throughout the Brabazon development and provided a potential new biodiversity corridor in Bristol. Refinement went into details such as the office atrium, staircase design and exposing the services at the north end of the habitable black. All decisions were made based on our earlier principles of showcasing structure and creating multi-use spaces for interaction between social groups.

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WEEK 8 FINAL REVIEW

POST CRIT ALTERATIONS

NORTH FACADE OPTION 1 Lowering the 25m northern facade to reduce the scale and inherent emodied carbon of the building.

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MODEL PERFORMANCE Comparing the potential ways of resolving the north facade in terms of algae output and embodied carbon.

NORTH FACADE OPTION 2 Reducing the structural load on the north face by pushing the habitable block through the structural envelope.

ROOFTOP GARDEN

REVERSE AUDITORIUM

REDUCE OFFICES

Utilising the space above the habitable block to provide a public space with views out over the Brabazon development.

Flipping the orientation of the auditorium to improve its acoustic performance and create a more logical entry sequence.

Reduce the spatial tension between the ofďŹ ces and the structural canopy as well as lightening the breakout terraces.

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REFLECTION SAM BETTERIDGE What element that you contributed are you most proud of?

What skills learned in practice were you able to bring to the project?

Sam: The challenge of designing a building for an emerging context 10 years into the future is one which I don’t think I or any member of the group has yet encountered either in learning or in practice. However, I am very proud of how quickly we came together as a team to agree the evolving programme of our proposed scheme throughout its lifetime; and although it may have seemed like the initial research phase that followed this decision lasted a long time, I believe that our reluctance to move on to initial designs until we had an adequate manifesto outlining what we strived for our building to achieve was vital in producing a coherent proposal which we could all be excited about.

Sam: In the weeks after the interim review and approaching the design freeze, we still had two very flexible forms in both the roof and the habitable block which presented a complicated “chicken or egg” scenario. Each was able to inform the other, however, whilst the roof relied heavily on the internal plan dimensions, the habitable block depended on the vertical constraints set by the arches. By applying lessons learnt in practice in designing parametrically, I was able to efficiently produce 3D models of the roof for those working on the habitable block based upon factors such as maximum height or usable plan width, which allowed us to quickly come to a final decision on the overall size of the building.

strongly inﬂuenced by the engineer’s involvement as designers? Sam: The group very naturally split up into task sets each bringing their appropriate strengths to the job they carried out, and I soon found myself in the role of designing the roof. In this role I worked very closely with the engineers to model design iterations that could be tested against embodied carbon, site constraints and appearance. During this process, the “building within a building” approach we were taking began to unearth numerous design challenges which we were able to resolve quickly through team discussions and design reviews.

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Which team member brought the best snacks into studio? Sam: Deﬁnitely not Joe… There’s only so much pot noodle a man should be allowed to eat.

REFLECTION RACHEL FOREMAN What was the strongest part of the project?

What was the most potent feedback you received?

Rachel: Our team work with the engineers really deﬁned our project. From the start we encouraged Brad and Kev to input ‘architectural’ ideas as well as ‘engineering’. This led to a much more informed design from the beginning rather than retrospectively thinking about ventilation or the true sizing of the arches. This was the biggest strength of our project, as everyone knew the reasoning for each decision which came across well in our ﬁnal crit.

Rachel: ‘Don’t be afraid of the architecture!’ After our interim the last comment by Daniel Wong was very signiﬁcant in our approach towards our ﬁnal crit. Until this point we had been fully focused on ‘determinism’ and having strong and through reasons for every decision we had made (hence the large section of research). Daniel’s comment gave us a realisation that designing for experience or feeling is also a valid reason, it doesn’t need to be physically tangible. This led us to focus on the human scale, such as glazing at ground level and environmental conditions directly impacting the user.

project compared to your previous individual projects? Rachel: Surprisingly, I was really looking forward to working in a team. During both of my placement experiences I have worked in team environments and have always found working completely individually challenging, as in reality there’s always more than one opinion to bounce off. Each member of our team was very vocal, which was great as every decision would always be challenged with ‘what if…’ and ‘could this work in this way instead’.

Would you rather: only eat algae every day for the rest of your life or be limited to one small meal a day? Rachel: Haven’t we all been eating algae for the last eight weeks?!

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REFLECTION ELLA THORNS What set principles did you bring to the project?

Looking back, how differently would you have approached the project?

Ella: I am quite a creative thinker and naturally jump from idea to idea, working with other team members with similar inquisitive minds, we pushed the potential of the project (and ourselves!) I often ﬁnd myself reading and discovering about new materials and innovations so it was great to bring some of these slightly crazy ideas to the table for the group to ground together and assess the functionality. It made for an incredibly exciting project.

Ella: With the gift of hindsight, I would have perhaps had more faith in my team members from the beginning. All of them have continued to amaze me with both the quality and quantity of work that they have created. Together they have consistently made deadlines, taking away a proportion of the stress usually associated with individual projects.

How could have the team worked more cohesively?

What came ﬁrst, the algae or the building?

Ella: Overall, I could not have asked for a better team; everyone had their say and worked hard towards a common goal that we quickly established within the ﬁrst few weeks of the project. Everyone was incredibly passionate about their contribution and ideas to the scheme, which was perhaps where our weaknesses lay. Discussions were often lengthy to create a solution where everyone was happy, when in some cases, had we compromised it would have saved time. Although would our design have also been compromised as a consequence?

Ella: Both! One could not serve a purpose without the other...

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REFLECTION JOE WATTON How did working with civil engineers from the outset of the project change the way you approached it?

Now the project is over, arch or ﬂat roof?

Joe: Our team work with the engineers really deﬁned our project. From the start we encouraged Brad and Kev to input ‘architectural’ ideas as well as ‘engineering’. This led to a much more informed design from the beginning rather than retrospectively thinking about ventilation or the true sizing of the arches. This was the biggest strength of our project, as everyone knew the reasoning for each decision which came across well in our ﬁnal crit.

Joe: In principle the parabolic arch is the most materially efficient way of transferring a load to the ground, and initially it appeared to be saving on construction emissions as we’d hoped. Though as we came to resolving the practical details it became clear that unforeseen issues such as constructional complexity and compromises to the floor plan were raising questions over our choice of structure. A flat roof could represent a more low carbon option if detailed effectively.

that you weren’t expecting?

What would be your ﬁlling of choice in an algae sandwich?

Joe: With this being a ﬂagship building for Bristol, I thought it was important that the design be something truly sustainable. I expected that this approach would put off other members of the team, but everyone embraced it. We were all on the same page from day one, with functional discussions about how to reduce embodied and operational carbon grounding the project in a way which we all understood and agreed upon, where many other groups were slowed down by personal disagreements over aesthetic taste.

Joe: More algae. Go hard or go home.

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Group 23