The Queens Building at De Montfort University combines the best of old and new - using traditional building techniques and the latest environmental features.
The university began its ambitious plan to create Europe's largest naturally ventilated building in 1989. This was no mean feat as the new 10,000 M2 building, on the City Campus, was designed to house the School of Engineering and Manufacture. The premises would need to deal with the heat produced by nearly 1,000 people and a considerable amount of electrical equipment.
Professor Kevin Lomas, Director of the Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development, said: "The university was keen to have a flagship building which would create a positive impression for potential students and draw international recognition. We deliberatley chose a firm of young architects, Short Ford & Associates, which had already designed a passive, low-energy building in Malta."
Short Ford & Associates came up with a striking design using tall ventilation stacks to make cool air circulate throughout the building. Glazed ventilators also help to provide as much natural lighting as possible. The Queens Building cost £12 million to construct, but it only uses half of the electricity used by similar premises due to its energy-efficient features.
The university wanted a traditional brick building so the construction would generate job opportunities in an area of high unemployment. The structure has wide insulation-filled cavity walls and concrete slabs in the ceilings so it can also retain heat, when required.
The Queens Building was opened in 1993. As well as receiving international acclaim for its innovative design, the premises has also proved to be an attractive, comfortable workplace for staff and students.
Professor Lomas added: "The Queens Building is a very pleasant place to work because it's so bright and airy, and it has undoubtedly served a great demonstration value for environmental design. We still get contacted by people around the world wanting to know more about its green features."
For further details call Professor Kevin Lomas on 0116 257 7961 or email klomas@dmu.ac.uk .
Outstanding environmental features:
Passive stack ventilation
Other green features:
Designated recycling area, extensive insulation, low-energy lighting, intelligent lighting controls, gas condensing boiler, double-glazing throughout, draught lobby entrance, specific design for passive solar gain, flow restricted tap jets, cycle parking, PVC alternatives, recycled materials -and grounds managed to protect habitat.