The University of Portsmouth wants the extension to its Frewen Library to be an exemplar for sustainable design when it opens in two years’ time.

The client is so determined to demonstrate the completed building’s energy efficiency that it plans to commission BRE to extend its BREEAM rating scheme to libraries to gain objective measurement for the project.

The £7 million extension will complement the existing 1970s library. A new entrance with a three storey atrium will be added, along with an IT area, seminar rooms and a cafe.

Consulting engineer Gifford is working with architects Penoyre & Prasad.

The design will make the best use of natural ventilation, cooling and light, with passive measures such as solar shading. Mixed mode ventilation and ground source heat pumps will also be included. The team has proposed use of recovered rainwater for toilet flushing and roof-mounted thermal solar panels for hot water.

Gifford’s experience in designing its own Carlton House studios (BSj 04/04) was instrumental in the contract award, and the many of the same engineering principles are proposed for the library.

Source

Building Sustainable Design