Overview
The IKC based at Swansea, SPECIFIC, has a deceptively simple vision for the future of energy. Their ‘Buildings as Power Stations’ concept aims to demonstrate how technology can be integrated into buildings that allow it to generate, store and release enough solar energy to be self-sustaining. To this end, SPECIFIC have built a number of demonstration buildings, from the humble ‘Pod’, which is now used by parking attendants at Swansea University’s Bay Campus, to the award winning ‘Active Classroom’ based on the same site. Both have generated enough energy to power and heat themselves.
Manufacture of the units took 3 weeks, and they were installed over two days. The speed at which we could help deliver the project was key for this project, but quality assurance also played a big factor. “Having everyone involved earlier meant we could refine a deliverable design from the outset.” Collaboration throughout was vital in ensuring the building stayed on budget. To deliver a two storey building packed with innovative technology, every detail was examined, down to reducing the amount of ductwork needed in the heating system.
The two storey building is designed for up to 25 occupants, and hot desks for other members of the research team within the University. This is spread between two small offices on the ground floor and two larger open plan spaces on the first floor. The ground floor also features a breakout area, entrance foyer, and storage, as well as toilets and a shower, both accessible by wheelchair. The interior of the building has a painted finish, with one office using air purifying paint to create a healthy interior environment.
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