Oundle SciTec uses eco features as educational tools

Architect Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios' design for Oundle School Science and Technology Centre in Peterborough incorporates a range of sustainable features including onsite renewables.

Oundle SciTec is an innovative new scheme which brings together the teaching of technology, art and aesthetics with the study of science. The new building provides science laboratories, art and design technology studios, a 260 seat lecture theatre and library.

One aim was that SciTec’s environmental features should be an educational tool.

The onsite renewables demonstrate this very visibly: roof-mounted, flat-plate, solar-thermal collectors generate hot water services for the laboratories, and polycrystalline photo-voltaic panels supplement the electrical capacity. Water consumption on the site is reduced with a rainwater recycling system re-directing water to flush the WCs.

Rainwater on the roof is attenuated via gargoyles that direct the flow into the lake.

In future phases there is a biomass boiler for heat generation, and the adaption of the existing bunker to act as a cooling labyrinth drawing air into the lecture theatre. A lake has been created to provide a habitat for flora and fauna and for use in academic study.

A lake has been created to provide a habitat for flora and fauna and for use in academic study.

Phase one of the schemes the science laboratories valued at £8m, was completed in August 2007.