Department For Education Darlington

year 2015

category Commercial Developments

client Department for Education / Darlington Borough Council / Willmott Dixon

location Darlington

project value £8M

TGA Consulting Engineers were engaged, working under the Scape Framework by Willmott Dixon Construction to develop an enhanced performance specification package (to RIBA Stage E) for new DfE Offices in Darlington.

Project Summary

Our Clients’ vision for the building included:

  • Innovative but reliable design
  • Highly flexible environment
  • A sustainable environment

The building is heated and cooled using active chilled beams complete with Mechanical Ventilation throughout to meet the DfE’s specific environmental criteria.

Notable features of the services design include the use of air to water heat pumps associated with the heating and hot water systems complemented by solar thermal energy. Free cooling chillers for the active chilled beams and air handling units incorporating high efficiency thermal wheels.

 

High efficiency lighting systems were used with automated controls which aim to minimise the use of artificial lighting wherever possible by making maximum use of daylighting will be provided.  In open plan office areas the installation will achieve 75 luminaire lumens per circuit watt.

Flexible access is provided to power and ICT services via raised floor systems in which busbars are routed to serve floor boxes.

A comprehensive metering strategy was developed incorporating all required electricity, thermal energy and mains cold water meters to allow accurate monitoring of the energy use within the building.

An array of photovoltaic panels was also be incorporated .

The building was designed to attain BREEAM Excellent and an EPC rating of A

4

Storey Extension

75

Luminaire lumens per circuit watt in open plan offices

4,000

sq m

Services

Mechanical Ventilation throughout to meet the DfE’s specific environmental criteria

High efficiency lighting systems