Brunel University – Wilfred Brown Building

year 2017

category Universities

client Brunel University

location Uxbridge, London

project value £14M

The original 3-storey building was constructed in 1966 and was extended in the 1970’s and again between 1990 and 1995. The refurbishment of this 3700m² building includes replacement of the building envelope, the M&E services installations and remodelling of the interior.

Project Summary

The building will achieve a ‘Very Good’ BREEAM rating including >36% of the un-weighted energy credits through:

  • Effective use of passive, internal climate moderating, design features
  • Natural ventilation to maintain comfortable temperature conditions and air quality
  • Mixed mode ventilation in those spaces which can not be treated by natural means alone
  • Good day lighting in perimeter spaces
  • Exposed concrete surfaces in the occupied spaces, acting as a heat sink in summer
  • Night time ventilation/cooling
  • Effective shading, by careful design of the façade and selection of appropriate glazing
  • The building envelope will be replaced with new, specified with much improved u-values. The building will be highly air-tight, preventing uncontrolled and wasteful air infiltration.

Thermal energy will be delivered to the building by:

  • A single ground source heat pump
  • A wood burning biomass boiler
  • High-efficiency gas-fired condensing boilers

Electrical Energy will be provided by:

  • Grid derived electricity
  • Roof mounted solar photo-voltaic (PV) panels
  • Building integrated PV