Low
Energy Buildings 
AC Architects Cambridge Ltd has been announced as
one of the major winners in the International Green Apple Awards
2007 for Environmental Best Practice, for the environmentally
friendly design of their own recycled office building in Victoria
Road, Cambridge. The ceremony, which took place at the House of
Commons in London last Friday the 9th November, recognised some
sixty projects from across the UK and further international projects
which were presented with prestigious ‘Green Plaques’ by author,
broadcaster and environmental campaigner David Bellamy, OBE.
The trophies are awarded annually in recognition of organisations
carrying out projects that benefit the built environment and our
architectural heritage.
This latest recognition for the practice follows a ‘Sustainability
Award’ Commendation in the RIBA East Spirit of Ingenuity Awards 2007
and being named runner-up in the LABC ‘Built in Quality’ East Anglia
Awards 2007 for Best Sustainability Innovation, both for the design
of their office building in Cambridge.
The highly innovative and sustainable design of the mixed-use
building in Victoria Road has created a workspace for the practice
at ground floor level and residential accommodation above. Aiming at
the highest environmental standards, design features of the building
include boreholes serving a ground source heat pump; solar thermal
panels; rainwater recycling; passive stack ventilation; photovoltaic
panels and recycling many building materials and components.
In addition, rainwater is collected to supply the washing machines
and toilets whilst super-insulation, thermal mass and a
non-mechanical, passive stack ventilation system control the
internal temperature and air quality without the need for air
conditioning. The passive stack ventilation system was designed in
association with the BP Institute of Cambridge University which used
mathematical modelling of the building to test the proposals.
Temperatures in the building are monitored with 16 probes to check
the design model.
The alterations made to the 19th Century building have effectively
put the architects’ concerns about sustainability into practice: the
newly re-cycled building can function entirely without the use of
fossil fuels, as heating and hot water are provided by a thermal
store heated by means of solar panels and geothermal energy gathered
by four thirty metre deep boreholes, whilst electricity is purchased
from a ‘green’ provider.
The judges commented “A relatively bland shop-fronted Victorian end
terrace has been given a brave and striking overhaul in its
conversion to flats and shop premises. At street level a tasteful
but mild facelift has modernized the frontage, while the extension
to the rear exudes individual style and an eye to the world by use
of sustainable and recycled materials, solar power, and a bold
timber paneling element. A noteworthy showcase of this architects
talents.”
The award-winning project is featured in the “National Treasures”
book - a guide to some of the best examples of sustainable design
and architecture in the UK.
Anne Cooper, Director of AC Architects Cambridge Ltd, commented: “We
are delighted to be presented with this award which we hope will
highlight the ways in which businesses and homeowners can modify and
improve their buildings to minimise their negative impact on the
environment.”
Ms Cooper continued: “The environmental impact of the buildings we
design and of our day-to-day activities is something we are very
conscious to minimise and form an important part of our work ethos.
The alterations we have designed and implemented in our own office
theoretically enable the practice to function entirely without the
need for fossil fuels and so eradicate our carbon output.”
National Organiser Roger Wolens commented: “We had around 750
nominations this year and presented about 80 awards, so they did
particularly well to triumph against some very strong competition.”
This year, AC Architects celebrate their 10th Anniversary, which was
marked with an Anniversary reception on Thursday 1st November at
Thetford Grammar School’s recently completed Sixth Form Centre and
Drama Studio (‘The Cloisters’), designed by the practice.
AC Architects Cambridge Ltd have extensive experience in a variety
of projects including university buildings, education facilities,
sports facilities, medical facilities, public and private housing,
houses for individual clients and the repair and conversion of
historic buildings.
Email:
martin@carismacommunications.co.uk
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Editor's Note: AC Architects Cambridge Ltd
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AC Architects Cambridge Ltd - Awarded for environmental best practise
Arundel Jones Associates Ltd News Categories : Low Energy Buildings |