SAS International - Novel acoustic lighting and heating rafts
At the new Horbury High School in Wakefield an
innovative ceiling solution was specified by the
architects NPS North East, and M&E Consultants Silcock
Leedham LLP, to meet stringent acoustic, lighting and
energy efficiency requirements. SAS System 600 Acoustic
Lighting Rafts were designed to incorporate Radiant
Heating Panels from HCP, a division of SAS
International.
The rafts were located with lighting and luminance
levels in mind, to ensure the most comfortable and
productive working environment for the occupants. The
rafts were therefore typically located at 2.7m for this
reason.
The replacement Horbury High School was designed to
achieve a ‘very good’ BREEAM rating. To help achieve
this, and reduce summer overheating, the building
incorporates exposed concrete soffits to provide thermal
buffering. SAS System 600 is perfect for buildings that
use passive or mixed mode FES (Fabric Energy Storage)
systems. Suspended directly from the open soffit they
allow free air movement across the exposed concrete,
maximising its thermal buffering capabilities and
allowing night time cooling to take place.
Ideal for schools, which have high lighting and acoustic
demands, SAS System 600 rafts are made up of
sound-absorbing perforated panels that incorporate
luminaires. At Horbury, radiant heating panels alternate
between these panels to create a novel solution. Radiant
heating is one of the most comfortable and
energy-efficient forms of heating available. Sloped
debris protectors were also incorporated on the top-side
of the rafts to ensure rubbish could not build up.
Silcock Leedham LLP’s Andrew Kirkham, Mechanical
Building Services Engineer, commented: “SAS
International was chosen as we had complete confidence
that it would be able to work with us on the design and
manufacture of this bespoke solution. Combining the
heating into the acoustic lighting rafts ensures a
comfortable teaching environment is achieved whilst
allowing us to utilise the thermal properties of the
concrete floors.”
The incorporated HCP Radiant Heating panels contain
approximately one seventh the amount of water in a
traditional radiator system, which results in a
reduction in plant size and energy consumption. They
also maximise space by eliminating the need for wall or
floor mounted units, whilst also offering excellent
comfort and easy maintenance and cleaning.
Manufactured from metal, these combined heating,
lighting and acoustic rafts were also favoured because
of the exceptional life span and minimal maintenance
costs offered by the material, which is also 100%
recyclable at end of life. The radiant heating panels
also have low operating costs, as well as minimal
maintenance requirements, which is a key consideration
as whole-life costs become increasingly important.
To minimise disruption to the existing school the
proposals include the phased new build and demolition
over a two-year period. The entire project is due to be
completed in December 2008.
Email:
janm@thinktank.org.uk
Arundel Jones Associates Ltd
Hill Farm, Linton Hill, Maidstone, Kent ME17 4AL
Tel : 01622 745333
news@buildingdesign.co.uk
Registered in England and Wales No. 07334149
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