Aedas R&D

Case Study B
Brine Leas School has a thin L-shaped plan (2,969m2) with learning accommodation located around two main, day-lit atrium spaces with a third atrium space as the entrance foyer. Its 3 storeys are constructed in steel frame and ground bearing, in-situ, concrete slab and composite deck upper floors. GluLam timber columns and beams are featured in the atrium spaces, used for communal eating and study. Heavy construction of floors and walls add to the thermal mass of the building & regulate temperature.

Hot water is assisted by solar thermal collectors, in addition an overhanging canopy and stack effect of the main atrium helps reduce heating and cooling loads generally met by air source heat pumps with cooling coils. High level openings are controlled through the BMS system whilst lower level windows are manually operated, with restricted openable areas.