MURPHY & SONS LTD.

ABEE4045 | SUSTAINABLE DESIGN STUDIO | DEVELOPMENT DOCUMENT | DANIEL JOHNSON | 20317574

Contents:

part i - site analysis part iV - iterational environmental design process

1.1 - INTRODUCTION 5 4.1 - proposed atrium daylighting strategy 37
1.2 - SITE LOCATION 5 4.2 - proposed atrium ventilation strategy 38
1.3 - Existing & listed buildings 5 4.3 - refined ventilation analysis 39
1.4 - history of the island site 6 4.4 - energy performance optimisation 40
1.5 - current masterplan, ‘the island quarter’ 6 4.6 - Achieving passivhaus 44
1.6 - geological analysis 8 4.7 - cre8 barn case study 45
1.7 - flood risk analysis 8 4.8 - proposed structure 46
1.8 - demographic analysis 9 4.9 - shading design 47
1.9 - transport infrastructure 10 part V - PROPOSed scheme
part iI - climate analysis 5.1 - PROPOSED SCHEME 49
2.1 - introduction & solar geometry 12 5.2 - Proposed plans 51
2.2 - existing shadow analysis 13 5.3 - proposed elevations 53
2.3 - WIND ANALYSIS 15 5.4 - 3d visualisations 54
2.4 - dry bulb & diurnal temperatures 16 part VI - REFERENCES
2.5 - Psychometric chart & comfort criteria 17 6.1 - BIBLIOGRAPHY 60
part iII - design development
3.2 - Initial proposals (Rev a) 20
3.3 - Initial proposals (REV B) 22
3.4 - massing proposals (REV B) 26
3.5 - mass shading analysis 29
3.6 - environmental design strategy 30
3.7 -daylighting rules-of-thumb 30
3.8 - ventilation strategy 35
 “THE MURPHY & SON
ISLAND BREWERY
WILL HELP RESTORE
NOTTINGHAM’S
ONCE THRIVING
MANUFACTURING
INDUSTRY, SUSTAINABLY
PROPELLING IT
THROUGH THE 21ST
CENTURY AND BEYOND.”

-STUDIO D (SCHEME DESIGN TEAM)

page 3
 PART I - SITE ANALYSIS

https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/nottingham-news/fascinating-history-nottinghams-vast-boots-4353780
page 4
1.0 - SITE ANALYSIS
1.1 - INTRODUCTION
This portfolio is compiled to fulfil the submission requirements for
ABE4045 Sustainable Design Studio. It documents the design process for
the new brewery at the Island site and presents work for assessment.

1.2 - SITE LOCATION

The site, adjacent Nottingham City Centre, is known as the Island Site, and has
already been partially developed. It is flanked by two A-roads; the A612 (Manver’s
Street) to the East and the A60 (London Road) to the West. Pennyfoot Street marks
the Northern border, and the railway track at Eastcroft constitute the Southern
edge of the site. A few minor secondary roads criss-cross the interior of the site;
Evelyn-Poplar Street and City Link connect the site across its East-West axis, with
Lace Way bridging the two North to South. It is not within a conservation area.

A masterplan exists for the brownfield site allocating a mixed-use, residentially-led

development along with offices, active frontages and open public realm spaces,
including numerous parks. Murphy & Sons seek to develop the an eastern portion
of the remaining site into a new flagship net zero-carbon brewery.

The Council has aspirations to transform this currently aggressive and neglected
site into a new southern gateway to the City, one which will form a crucial pedestrian
link from the surrounding residential areas to the City Centre. Fig 1. Location of Nottingham within UK Fig 2. Site location within Nottinghamshire
1.3 - Existing & listed buildings
The site is already host to a mix of uses; the Bio-City Biosciences complex occupies
the Northern sector, and a hotel, NHS walk in centre, pavilion office block and
health club occupy the West and South portions. The remaining south and eastern
portions contain two derelict heritage brick warehouse buildings; (Great Northern
Warehouse - Grade II Listed) and (James Alexander Warehouse - Unlisted). Both
are in a state of great disrepair with the entire interiorA of the former propped by
scaffold and without its roof. The aforementioned health club is also Grade II Listed
but its former use as a railway station gives the building a character that could
provide interesting interplay with the proposed industrial brewery typology. Gem
106 occupy a metal-clad unit on the East, but this is absent from the proposed
masterplan, and so it is assumed they will vacate to new premises and the existing
unit be demolished.

There is a large concrete slab to the south of the warehouses, leftover from former
railway sidings. This could provide an opportunity for retaining its embodied carbon
and be converted for use as a ground floor slab, car park slab ect following a survey.

It should be noted that the site plays host to current and former gasworks. The old
gasworks are located adjacent the route of an existing high-pressure gas mains.
It is noted in the “Supplementary Planning Document Island Site Nottingham, April
2016” that the pipe would be “prohibitively expensive” to move or bury, hence the
Council’s decision to construct a public park over it.
Fig 3. The Island Site (highlighted), with existing & surrounding buildings.

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 1.4 - history of the island site
The sites recent history is inseparable from the Boots corporation. Jesse Boot,
considered a local hero, moved production from Goose Gate to the site in 1889,
leasing three rooms in Elliotts Lace Factory; by 1892 he had taken over the whole
factory. By 1914, Boots controlled nearly every building between the canal and the
Midland Railway, erecting laboratories and warehouses where “formerly stood gas
works, lead works, malting works, cement works and slum cottages.” (Nottingham
Heritage Gateway, 2011.)

In May 1941, he site was targeted during the WWII Nottingham Blitz with numerous
bombs landing on buildings and across the site, resulting in fatalities. The Boots
complex suffered direct hits to its gymnasium and bottle-washing factories amongst
others. The site was assumed to be targeted due to manufacturing essential
wartime supplies such as penicillin; this increases the historic value and local
attachment to the site.

By 1994, all chemical production and warehousing had ceased to continue.

Numerous plans were drawn up to redevelop the site, but none came to fruition; Historic aerial photograph, 1937. Bomb damage to Boots gymnasium, 1941.
Boots sold the site to Nottingham City Council in 1993. Available: https://britainfromabove.org.uk/en/ Available: http://researchgroup12345.weebly.com/
image/EPW053240 Last Accessed: 24/12/2020. blog/bombing-images Last Accessed: 24/12/2020.
1.5 - current masterplan, ‘the island quarter’
The site has changed hands many times since its sale to the council. Among
the more recent proposals was a Tesco superstore in 2011, which was met with
resistance from council leaders. As mentioned previously, there has been piecemeal
development on areas of the site including the BBC building, a PremierInn hotel
and an NHS walk-in centre being the only major developments.

The current masterplan is being developed by Conygar and is estimated at

£650million. It is residentially-led, but also includes retail units to provide active
street frontage, Grade A office space (which Nottingham is noted as lacking), and
various green spaces the encourage permeability through the site. A high-pressure
gas mains runs east-west across the site, which is to be covered with a public park.
The park also covers the site of the former gas works to lower the risk of releasing
buried contaminants through the digging up the substrate.

Key to the councils aspirations for the site is increasing permeability to the city
centre and the surrounding urban areas. This is sought to be achieved through
using strong building lines to clearly delineate the streetscape, the inclusion of
green spaces into pedestrian corridors and active frontages promoting amenities
and passive surveillance. Traditional brewery and warehousing design does not
typically lead towards these virtues, hence the massing and positioning of the
various functions of the brewery must be carefully considered to not be of detriment
to the masterplan’s criteria.

The insertion of the Murphy & Sons scheme will some of the residential blocks.
Their initial site choice is highlighted opposite, as well as the preferred site choice
of the designer.
A Boots company canal barge, 1916.
Available: https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/nottingham-news/fascinating-history-nottinghams-vast-
boots-4353780 Last Accessed: 24/12/2020.
page 6
Damage to bottle-washing factory, 1941. Proposed Phase 1A ‘Canal Turn’ event pavilion. Proposed visuals for the masterplan’s central park. The renovated warehouse (left) contrasts the new.
Available: http://researchgroup12345.weebly.com/ Available: https://www.business-live.co.uk/ Available: https://www.theplanner.co.uk/news/nottingham-approves-regeneration-scheme Last Accessed:
blog/bombing-images Last Accessed: 24/12/2020. regional-development/first-phase-nottinghams- 24/12/2020.
650m-island-18615972 Last Accessed: 24/12/2020.

Historical 1880s map showing gas works and former extent of the canal system. Proposed masterplan. Yellow = Suggested site. Orange = Chosen site.
Source: Island Site Nottingham Supplementary Planning Document.

page 7
 Bedrock
Tarporley Siltstone
Formation - Silty
Sandstone(TPSF-SLSST)

1.6 - geological analysis Tarporley Siltstone

Formation - Mudstone,
Siltstone And
The sites history of development means there are a mix of ground conditions across Sandstone(TPSF-MDSS)
Nottingham Castle
the site. The site sits upon a sandstone bedrock typical of Nottingham (which can Sandstone Formation -
be seen clearly poking above ground at Nottingham Castle- hence its assignment Sandstone(NTC-SDST)
as the Nottingham Castle Sandstone Formation). The superficial ground above this Gunthorpe Member -
Mudstone(GUN-MDST)
bedrock layer consists of alluvium - clay, silt, sand and gravel, deposited during Superficial Deposits
the Flandrian age. Alluvium - Clay, Silt, Sand
And Gravel(ALV-XCZSV)
Additionally, due to the history of prior development on site, artificial made & worked Holme Pierrepont Sand And
Gravel Member - Sand And
ground is present on site which could be of poor quality and with unknown contents. Gravel(HPSG-XSV)
With the site hosting factories and warehouses before, it cannot be ruled out that Head - Diamicton(HEAD-
DMTN)
contaminants other than the known presence of gas could be buried in the soil. Head - Sand And
Silt(HEAD-XSZ)

This could have an impact on the construction of the proposed brewery. Artificial Ground
Worked Ground (Undivided)
- Void(WGR-VOID)
Made Ground (Undivided)
- Artificial Deposit(MGR-
Fig 12. Flood Risk Map ARTDP)
Mass Movement
Linear Features
Alteration Areas
Faults

Normal fault, inferred

Fold Axes
Bedrock & superficial substrate deposits
1.7 - flood risk analysis Avaiable: digimaps.edina.uk Last accessed: 24/12/2020.

More immediately threatening to the site is its location within Flood Zone 2. This means
there is between a 1-in-100 and 1-in-1000 risk of flooding occurring annually. The
flood risk zone also spills over the boundaries of the site onto the A612, intensifying
the importance of responsible runoff management.

Whilst the central park would appear to alleviate the flood risk somewhat, it is noted
in the SPD that the construction of the park over the high-pressure gas mains simply
reduces the chance of the park itself flooding (given its raised elevation from the
plain). This means the park itself cannot be relied upon to solve the flood issue.

It is therefore without question that a plan for sustainable urban drainage be set
out from project inception to ensure any further development does not increase
the flood risk further.

This could be achieved through landscaping features such as swales and conveyance
channels (which are specified elsewhere in the masterplan, and so adding them on
the Murphy & Sons site could help create unity between it and the surroundings).

Additional potential measures include green roofs, permeable hardstandings,

rainwater harvesting systems, soakaways and a general provision for green space.
Fig 13. Flood Risk Map.
Available: https://flood-map-for-planning.service.gov.uk/ Last accessed: 24/12/2020.

page 8
 1.8 - demographic analysis
The sites finds itself at the crossroads of the city centre, the train station and
surrounding residential areas. As such, the site forms part of a pathway to the city.
Whilst the city centre is relatively affluent, the neighbouring residential areas of
Sneinton to the east and The Meadows to the south are generally lower-income
and suffer from higher rates of crime and deprivation.

This creates the opportunity to push investment and provide jobs in the area, which
will in turn help create more sustainable communities.

Nottingham is noted for having a high student and young professional population.
The masterplan’s residential units are most likely to be occupied by them, with a
smaller proportion also going to young families. This allows slightly more creative
freedom due to younger age groups being more accepting of contemporary
architecture. Additionally, the area has a high proportion of minority groups
compared to England as a whole. This could necessitate certain inclusions such Minority ethnic group areas Population percentage by broad age group
as prayer rooms within the scheme.

Indices of Deprivation Map. Young people are concentrated towards the City A large minority of Nottingham residents do not
Centre have a household vehicle.

Health census data shows Good and Very Good Health has room for improvement. Religious census data for Nottingham & Nottinghamshire, 2011.
Charts and graphics from https://www.nottinghaminsight.org.uk/research-areas/census-2011/
Last accessed: 24.12.2020.

page 9
 1.9 - transport infrastructure
By car, the site is well served being sandwiched between the A60
and A612, however traffic on both of these can get very congested at
times. The nearest large, general use car parks are Sheriff’s Lodge (50
spaces - 5min walk) and Nottingham Station Car Park (512 spaces -
10min walk). Included within the masterplan are multi-storey car parks
beneath residential podiums. Accessible parking is to be included.

Cycle: The site is unfortunately not served by any cycle paths, but
one does run through it from The Great Northern Close (west) down
City Link. Likewise, nearby bicycle parking is also poor with the nearest
lockers being at the National Ice Arena (10min walk). There is a city
cycle hub at Nottingham Station (10min walk) so it is feasible any
commuters may use these facilities to access the site but it is more
likely they would just walk. Regardless, the scheme shall seek to
massively improve upon existing cycle infrastructure to encourage
green travel.

The main public transport options are by bus, with NCTs 44 & 44A
services stopping at the nearby stops of Lower Eldon Street & Pennyfoot
Street. Route 50 runs through the site stopping at City Link (east) but
is a limited Park & Ride service. Numerous other services stop only
slightly further away at Southwell Road, including Routes 25, 26, 27
and 43. Slightly further still, but within walking distance, is the Lammas
Gardens stop, which adds Routes 1 through 10, 19, 33, 90 and outer
city services to Cotgrave, Rushcliffe, Bingham and Keyworth. This
gives the site an enormous catchment area. It is likely the completed
masterplan would warrant addition or diversion of existing routes
into the site, only increasing its accessibility.

It is also conceivable that people could travel in by tram or train,

with the nearest stop being at Nottingham Station. Additionally, the
pedestrian credentials of the site are great, and the site is envisioned
as a pedestrian access link to the city centre, especially to the creative
arts hub at Hockley (12min walk).

The nearest airport is East Midlands Airport, a 30 minute drive to the

south-west. The SkyLink bus service also provides links between the
City Centre and the airport.

Annotated travel map. Dotted white lines shows the main pedestrian routes around & across the site.

page 10
PART II - CLIMATE ANALYSIS

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https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/history/gallery/hundreds-historic-photos-boots-nottingham-4258864
2.1 - introduction & solar geometry

• Introduction
This section analyses the climate conditions of the site in order to find out
which environmental interventions can be introduced successfully to
achieve Murphy & Son’s goal of a carbon negative development.

• Solar Geometry & Shading

Displayed opposite are stereographic solar path diagrams for the proposed
site at 53° N, -1.15° e.

The preferred site has the opportunity to benefit thermally from the south
solar sun. The presence of the railway line here also safeguards the scheme
against future developments being erected to the south and blocking this
sun, but solar shading may be needed to stop summer overheating.

There is local shading by the cliffs, houses and trees bordering

Manver’s Street however these only rise 23m~ above the datum of the
site and so are considered to have a minimal impact, providing only
early morning shading. The nearest tall building the (Jury’s Inn hotel -
415m to the west) is too far away to cause any significant shading.
The existing warehouses shade one another in the early morning and late
afternoon.

Summer Solstice (June 20th 2020) stereographic solar path.

Fig 22. Local shading via nearby cliffs & buildings Winter Solstice (December 21st 2020) stereographic solar path.

page 12
 2.2 - existing shadow analysis

• Solar Radiation
As seen in the graph opposite, direct normal solar
radiation peaks on the summer solstice at around
175Wh/sqm/hr. This heat will need to be rejected from
the building or it may cause overheating, and so solar
shading depths should be calculated to shade the
windows during this time.

• Shadow Analysis
The following shadow analysis was performed across
various times to analyse shadows cast across the site
during the summer & winter solstices.

• Summer Shadows
We can see from the diagrams below that there are
no significant cast on or by the existing warehouses
during the summer. Thus we have the opportunity
to make full use of the solar radiation for electricity
generation, but need to be careful to design solar
shading to block solar gain into the building during
summer. Sunset at 8:34pm keeps natural daylighting
a possibility throughout the whole day during the summer.

N N N

10° 10° 10°

20° 20° 20°

30° 30° 30°

40° 40° 40°

50° 04 50° 04 50° 04

20 20 20

60° 60° 60°

05 05 05
19 19 19

70° 70° 70°

06 06 06
18 18 18

80° 80° 80°

07 07 07
17 17 17

08 08 08
16 16 16

09 09 09
15 15 15

10 10 10
14 14 14
13 11 13 11 13 11
12 12 12

S S S

Solar Time: 08:54 Solar Time: 11:54 Summer Solstice, 3pm. Solar Time: 08:54
Summer Solstice, 9am. Summer Solstice, 12pm.
Azi / Alt: 111.77° / 44.29° Azi / Alt: 177.31° / 60.42° Azi / Alt: 111.77° / 44.29°
Hour Angle: 46.45° Hour Angle: 1.45° Hour Angle: 46.45°
Declination: 23.44° Declination: 23.44° Declination: 23.44°
Rise / Set: 03:38 / 20:34 Rise / Set: 03:38 / 20:34 Rise / Set: 03:38 / 20:34
Daylight: 16:56 Hrs Daylight: 16:56 Hrs Daylight: 16:56 Hrs
page 13
• Winter Shadows N N

10° 10°
20° 20°

We can see that during the winter, the low-altitude

30° 30°

40° 40°

sun creates long shadows that spread across the 50° 50°

landscaped areas to the north of the warehouses. 60° 60°

This coupled with the colder temperatures reduces 70° 70°

the appeal of these parks and might mean less

interaction between the public and the development.
80° 80°

Barring a very thin shadow cast by the incinerator

chimney across the railway track, the warehouses
themselves aren’t overshadowed and so can make
use of the low sun by allowing its rays into the building
to warm the interior. Shading should be designed to 15 09 15 09

allow this. 14 10 14 10

13 11 13 11
12 12

If new buildings are built on site, they should be S S

positioned to either minimise shading of existing

warehouses or be positioned to shade the one which Winter Solstice, 9am. Solar Time: 08:58 Winter Solstice, 3pm. Solar Time: 14:58
requires naturally lower temperatures, e.g. long- Azi / Alt: 139.04° / 4.19° Azi / Alt: -139.80° / 4.53°
term food product storage, rather than the block Hour Angle: 45.46° Hour Angle: -44.54°
containing offices, as these have more heating-driven Declination: -23.43° Declination: -23.43°
energy demands. Rise / Set: 08:15 / 15:49 Rise / Set: 08:15 / 15:49
Daylight: 07:34 Hrs Daylight: 07:34 Hrs

• Vernal / Autumnal Shadows

N

10°
20°
N
30°
10°

The less-extreme vernal / autumnal shadows 20°

30°
40°

expectedly create a middle-ground between summer 40°

50°

and winter, and due to the air temperature still being 50° 60°

quite cold, the building could still benefit from 60° 70°

admitting solar radiation during this time. However, 70°

80°

this needs to be balanced with internal gains so that

the temperature does not become too high and
80°
18

require cooling.
07

17

08

Sunset at around 6:19pm means the building has

16

09

the possibility to be naturally daylit throughout most 15

10

of its working hours (9am-6pm) at this time, but may

14
11
13 12

require some supplemental artificial lighting in the 15 09

late afternoon. 14 10

13 11 S
12

vernal equinox, 3pm Solar Time: 14:48

Winter Solstice, 12pm. Solar Time: 11:58 Azi / Alt: -131.48° / 26.80°
Azi / Alt: 179.57° / 13.63° Hour Angle: -41.98°
Hour Angle: 0.46° Declination: 0.21°
Declination: -23.43° Rise / Set: 06:05 / 18:19
Rise / Set: 08:15 / 15:49 Daylight: 12:13 Hrs
Daylight: 07:34 Hrs

page 14
2.3 - WIND ANALYSIS
• Annual Average Prevailing Wind
The average annual prevailing wind comes from
a southwesterly direction, as is general in the UK.
Notably, although the site is urban in character, the
clear space provided by the rail line to the south
exposes the site to this wind more than is typical.

• Summer Prevailing Wind

In the summer, the prevailing wind shifts westward
to a south-west-westerly direction. A noticeable wind
spike also appears in the north-eastern quadrant.
Passive ventilation is increased if the air is wind-
driven, and so windows should allow the SW-SWW-
NE breezes to flow through them in the summer. Even
if the window’s normal plane doesn’t face directly
SW/SWW/NE, the air is buffeted along solid building
geometry into the opening, and so the existing slightly
south-westerly / north-easterly facing openings are
expected to be very useful in cooling.

• Winter Prevailing Wind

In the winter, the wind comes predominantly from
a SW-direction, with other directions being severely
reduced. Windows are predicted to be closed for
most of this month, to retain heat within the building,
but trickle vents would still allow for the required fresh
air to be brought into the building. The site, although
exposed compared to the denser neighbouring
developments, is not in a particularly strong wind
zone, so wind protection is unlikely to be required to a
great extent.

• Wind Speed & Lawson Comfort Criteria

Average wind speeds vary from 4m/s in winter to
3m/s for the rest of the year. This falls in the ‘Sitting’
band of the Lawson Comfort Criteria, meaning sitting
in the outdoor areas and gardens should be
comfortable regarding the wind most of the time.
However we also see that there are some spike gusts
up to around 15m/s in the winter, so shielded seating
areas should be provided creating narrow building
corridors which could funnel and increase wind speed
be avoided.

(Lawson Comfort Criteria, 2001.)

page 15
 2.4 - dry bulb & diurnal temperatures

• Dry Bulb Temperature (Fig. 1)

The mean ambient dry-bulb temperature in
Nottingham ranges between 4 ° c at its nadir in
January and peaking at 16 °c in July.

• Average Monthly Diurnal Temperature Range (Fig 2.)

The diurnal temperature difference is usually not so
major during in the winter, being only around a ~2 °c
average difference in December. In July, this range is
about 6-7 °c. These low diurnal thermal differences
mean night purging and high thermal mass is unlikely
to be very useful, especially considering the
occupancy hours demands a quick heating start-
up time in the morning and the building is less likely to
be occupied after 6pm, requiring shorter lag times to
remain responsive.

• Relative Humidity & Precipitation (Fig. 3)

Relative humidity peaks in November at around 87.5%,
but with air temperature being so low in November,
this is unlikely to be an issue. RH is lowest in
July-August, which is also the hottest months, which
improves a person’s ability to perspire and cool down.
This means dehumidification is unlikely to be required
much.

page 16
 2.5 - Psychometric chart & comfort criteria

• Psychometric Chart
The psychometric chart plots comfort hours against These guidelines produced by
dry-bulb temperature and relative humidity. This ClimateConsultant 6.0 give a
quick overview of strategies
informs of the main design strategies we can use
that could be aimed for to
to ensure a comfortable building in this climate. produce a climate appropriate
environmental design.
• Passive Design Strategies
We can see that 6.5% of the time, the building is They will be mostly followed
naturally comfortable without any interventions. But but sometimes a design
once we also account for passive solar gain, internal decision may override aspects
heat gains, sun shading of windows, high thermal of an environmental one. For
mass and wind protection of outdoor spaces, we can instance, a dropped insulated
raise this comfort percentage to 41% without adding ceiling is suggested but may
any additional energy demands for running the building. not be appropriate if it reduces
spacial delight or blocks a
visually exciting element.
• Conditioning Requirements
Naturally 41% is not good enough, therefore the
building will require some conditioning. Nottingham’s
mostly cool climate means that heating is required
for at least 2125 hours, and adding heating makes
the building comfortable for 99% of the time. 100% is
achieved through allowing for 40 hours of
dehumidification alone, assuming natural ventilation
is maximised.

• Impacts of Psychometric Chart

The psychometric chart shows that there is the
possibility to forgo the cooling devices present in so
many office blocks around the UK by following
natural environmental design principles. This would
greatly reduce the carbon expenditure of running
the building. Additionally, it tells us that there are
measures we can take to also significantly reduce the
reliance on heating devices to solve our underheating
problem, namely ensuring the building envelope is
less conductive to keep internal gains within the fabric
within the colder months, but expel them when it is
warm. Also, by exposing our building to the southern
sun, we can take advantage of passive solar gain
through wall conduction and radiation through windows.

page 17
 PART III - DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/history/gallery/hundreds-historic-photos-boots-nottingham-4258864
page 18
3.1 Case STUDY - kane’s food factory, evesham.

Key Facts:
Designer: Zero-Energy Architecture
Year: 2012
Cost: £30m (extension scheme)
Size: 11,000m2
Typology: Salad Factory

Kane’s Food Factory was built in 2012 and is described as an eco-friendly salad factory.
The building features on of the UKs largest green roof installations, which features a
convex curved design to blend in with the surrounding Cotswold Hills. The dense roof
also absorbs noise generated by machinery inside the building helping to reduce
sound pollution in its idyllic countryside setting. Additionally, it houses a rainwater
harvesting system which both reduces surface runoff and decreases the chance of
flooding as well as reducing water usage in the building by reusing collected water to
flush toilets, et cetera. Anything extra is diverted a nearby pond. With the Client’s site Kane’s Food Factory, Evesham. The large green roof helps the factory merge into its picturesque surroundings,
being on a flood plain, the introduction of a green roof as part of an integrated SUDs but more solar panels may have allowed the project to generate more sustainable energy.
solution could be key to reducing flood risk. Available: https://kanesfoods.co.uk/kanes-foods-wins-multi-million-nationwide-contract/

The design of the glazing allows natural light to penetrate the interior of the building,
and energy efficient light fittings are used where natural light is insufficient. Other
sustainable interventions include geothermal heat pumps to “transfer heat generated
by the facility to produce power for the refrigeration systems” (DirectIndustry.com, 2020.)

The building is constructed using a steel frame (which could be recycled in the future)
and features hemp-clad natural insulation cassettes, providing a high performance
thermal envelope.

There are two sets of solar panels, one for heating water and one for generating
electricity. Pertinent to the typology of the salad factory, refrigerants used are natural
hydrocarbons and ammonia, which emit less carbon than other refrigerants.

In summary, many of the technologies and design features could be adapted into the
Client’s project at The Island. However, it is important to note the difference in character
between the sites; Kane’s has the luxury of being out in the countryside, whereas the
Client’s site occupies an urban site linking the city centre with surrounding urban
areas and forming part of the southern gateway into Nottingham. This means that
certain interventions may need to be tweaked to provide a navigable public realm
that integrates with The Island masterplan.

The Kane’s Factory Site. Concrete aprons surround the building pads providing good vehicular access but the
site would appear aggressive to visitors due to the vehicular routes and lack of public realm. Adaptation onto
the Client’s site at The Island would need to be more pedestrian-focused- whilst maintaining serviceability.
Available: https://earth.google.com/web/search/kanes+food+factory/

page 19
3.2 - Initial proposals (Rev a)

A brief Schedule of Accommodation was received from the Client. (See Appendix A).

Owing to the industrial nature of the proposed development, the southern plot of
the site containing the existing James Alexander Warehouse was chosen to keep
the scheme from impacting too heavily on the residential blocks. By locating it here,
the development has a better chance of keeping disruption low, with the additional
benefits of utilising the adjacent banking onto Manvers Street as a natural acoustic
and visual buffer to shield the surrounding area from lorry movement noises. This helps
to maintain pedestrian safety across the island site.

A SWOT analysis was taken out on this specific microsite. (See: right).

The existing warehouse was to be re-utilises, maintaining the heritage of the area
whilst also limiting the chance of extra foundation digging which could expose the
aforementioned polluted ground. Additionally, the warehouse will contain a significant
amount of embodied carbon in its fired clay brickwork, which is best kept within the
structure. The warehouse is in a dilapidated condition but appears mostly structurally
sound.

All active uses were positioned on the North of the plan to increase interactivity with the
street and provide active views in and out of the development. The offices were to also
be attached, benefiting from diffuse light entering from the north. With the laboratories
requiring to be chilled to 8°C year-round, the decision was made to locate them either
in the centre of the plan on to the north to limit their solar exposure. Production and
warehousing activities are located to the south the protect the permeability of the street
and protect the office spaces from railway noise by providing acoustic mass between
them and the tracks. Plant is located adjacent these areas to keep it accessible from
the service yard. Locating the bar on the corner facing the proposed parks increases
corner appeal for this use which would benefit commercially from increased footfall.

A massing exercise was performed and draft visuals and layouts produced. Following
consultation with the client, and having received additional information pertinent to
the scheme, it was decided to rethink the masterplan, taking forwards most of the
core elements which were functional, but expanding the scope and vision of the
development. Many elements are to be retained as part of the natural evolution of the
design, but more emphasis is to be placed on site heritage and conservation.

page 20
page 21
3.3 - Initial proposals (REV B)

Following client consultation, the limitations of the chosen site became apparent.
The required 10,000m2 warehousing space was struggling to fit on the plot and was
necessitating mezzanine levels which could prove to have a negative effect on shipping
times and productivity. Additionally, it was proving difficult to fulfil Murphy’s’ aspirations
for green space including reed beds on the tight site, and so the decision was made
to extend the proposed development area to also include the Grade-II listed Great
Northern Warehouse and attached land.

Offices and labs are to be placed in the eastern, shorter section of the warehouse as it
was deemed more easily to retrofit into an environmentally conscious airtight volume
than the larger portion. Offices here can take advantage of the diffuse northern daylight
from above and positive solar gain from the south.

Arguably the most characteristic feature of the existing warehouse is the series of
arched on its northern facade, which should be taken advantage of by utilising them
as grand entrances to the retail elements, as they also front directly onto the proposed
public park, heightening advertisement to passers-by. This means the craft stores, bar
& brewery should be on this facade.
Revised proposed site plan. W1, existing Great Northern Warehouse. W2, existing, James Alexander
A sky link / bridge should be constructed to link the two warehouses together, providing Warehouse. W3, proposed new Murphy Warehouse.
easy access between the production facilities and the laboratories for sample transfers.

The existing warehouse should be used for longer-term storage (due to being split
between levels) and house the production facilities. The new complementary warehouse
should be used for shorter-term storage, due to it being located mostly across one
ground floor, thus facilitating quicker, easier stock movements to trucks. A service yard
is to be located between the two.

Due to the extra space gained in acquiring both warehouses & their surrounding land,
the southern part of the large warehouse in W1 is proposed to be converted into a large
“winter-garden”, as the Client expressed interest in being able to grow showcase crops
such as Hops. This also helps solves the issue of making the entirety of the dilapidated
W1 airtight, as the winter garden would only be semi-enclosed.

Sprawling landscaped gardens are to be created to the south of W1, incorporated

additional planting for show-crops, reed beds and other water attenuation methods to
alleviate the flood risks and reduce waste water. There is also the possibility for a small
wind farm to be located in this area, being so far removed from the residential areas.

Revised proposed site plan. W1, existing Great Northern Warehouse. W2, existing, James Alexander
Warehouse. W3, proposed new Murphy Warehouse.

page 22
W1 Great Northern Warehouse existing building visual survey non-standard scale do not scale from these drawings
Ground Floor Plan 1:300

AREA 1 AREA 2 AREA 3

North Elevation 1:300

South Elevation 1:300

• Brief Existing Condition Survey
The existing Great Northern Warehouse is in poor
condition following a fire that ripped out most of the
roof and internal structure. However the brickwork
facade remains in mostly serviceable condition with
a few sections crumbled, but it could be reused. The
brickwork is not considered structurally sound as it is
propped up internally with a network of scaffolding.
The western side of the warehouse is in notably better
condition than the east, and more easily refurbished.
West Elevation 1:300 East Elevation 1:300

page 23
 W2 Great Northern Warehouse existing building visual survey non-standard scale do not scale from these drawings

• Brief Existing Condition Survey

The existing James Alexander Warehouse appears
to be in a reasonable structural condition considering
the years it has spent derelict. However it is heavily
gratified and vandalised with little remaining glazing
or internal partitions deemed salvageable. Most of
the external brickwork is in good condition and could
be sandblasted back to former glory. Internal
structure comprised of iron columns and beams
appears sound but unequal, low ceiling heights may
make recycling the iron a possibility and installing a
new steel or engineered timber frame in its place.

Ground Floor Plan 1:300

South Elevation 1:300 East Elevation 1:300

North Elevation 1:300 West Elevation 1:300

page 24

Visual assessment of existing warehouse and how the scheme can work with it
Proposed sky link example. Available: http://www.
constructionphotography.com/Details.aspx?ID=48362&TypeID=1 Last
accessed: 09/12/2020.
New warehouse form inspiration
Available: https://www.hparchitecture.com/
nashville-warehouse-co-nashville-tennessee Last
Accessed 09/12/2020.
Bright daylit interior inspiration. Available: https://www.
archdaily.com/939845/warehouse-in-ageo-arii-irie-archi
tects/5ec2cee1b357658bd4000501-warehouse-in-ageo-
arii-irie-architects-photo?next_project=no. Last accessed:
Granby Winter Gardens. Available: https://se.royalacademy.org.
09/12/2020.
uk/2019/artworks/assemble/662. Last accessed 09/12/2020.
page 25
3.4 - massing proposals (REV B)

• Massing Strategy
Retain existing rooflines and block massing and
construct a new warehouse complimentary to the
existing forms. Areas were deduced by deducting
existing warehouse space from the Client’s requested
total and extruding the area to allow for a double-
height space. Additionally, it is likely the
new warehouse would shade the existing ones no
matter the location due to the length of the shadows
cast. Therefore, it is better to shade the long-term
storage warehouse, as its energy demands are less EL
. L EV
Z
heating-driven compared to the office blocks. EZ
O NM
160
+2
• Form Creation
The form was lifted at the NW corner to allow for a sky
link bridge to link to the James Alexander Warehouse
and create a cascading roof form allowing unabated
south sunlight to all of the roofs and create a more
elegant sweeping form visible to arrivals into Nottingham
. by train. The final form was influenced by and
attempts to mirror the stationesque architecure of
the former Low Level Station, which has now been
converted into an fitness centre.

• Environmental Considerations
A vertically staggered “sawtooth” roof allows
for multiple northlights, which would allow daylight to
penetrate into the core of the deep plan that is
required for warehousing purposes. Additionally, the
simple rectilinear plan shape keeps form factor low
and energy-efficient.

Low Level Station. Available: http://www.gcrleicester.info/html/brakevan_

trip_nottingham_to_ruddington.html Last accessed 05/12/2020.

page 26
page 27
 FORM FACTOR: 1.25

page 28
3.5 - mass shading analysis

N N N

10° 10° 10°

20° 20° 20°

30° 30° 30°

40° 40° 40°

50° 04 50° 04 50° 04

20 20 20

60° 60° 60°

05 05 05
19 19 19

70° 70° 70°

06 06 06
18 18 18

80° 80° 80°

07 07 07
17 17 17

08 08 08
16 16 16

09 09 09
15 15 15

10 10 10
14 14 14
13 11 13 11 13 11
12 12 12

S S S

Solar Time: 08:54 Solar Time: 11:54 Summer Solstice, 3pm. Solar Time: 08:54
Summer Solstice, 9am. Summer Solstice, 12pm.
Azi / Alt: 111.77° / 44.29° Azi / Alt: 177.31° / 60.42° Azi / Alt: 111.77° / 44.29°
Hour Angle: 46.45° Hour Angle: 1.45° Hour Angle: 46.45°
Declination: 23.44° Declination: 23.44° Declination: 23.44°
Rise / Set: 03:38 / 20:34 Rise / Set: 03:38 / 20:34 Rise / Set: 03:38 / 20:34
Daylight: 16:56 Hrs Daylight: 16:56 Hrs Daylight: 16:56 Hrs

N N N

10° 10° 10°

20° 20° 20°

30° 30° 30°

40° 40° 40°

50° 50° 50°

60° 60° 60°

70° 70° 70°

80° 80° 80°

15 09 15 09 15 09

14 10 14 10 14 10

13 11 13 11 13 11
12 12 12

S S S

Winter Solstice, 9am. Solar Time: 08:58 Winter Solstice, 12pm. Solar Time: 11:58 Winter Solstice, 3pm. Solar Time: 14:58
Azi / Alt: 139.04° / 4.19° Azi / Alt: 179.57° / 13.63° Azi / Alt: -139.80° / 4.53°
Hour Angle: 45.46° Hour Angle: 0.46° Hour Angle: -44.54°
Declination: -23.43° Declination: -23.43° Declination: -23.43°
Rise / Set: 08:15 / 15:49 Rise / Set: 08:15 / 15:49 Rise / Set: 08:15 / 15:49
Daylight: 07:34 Hrs Daylight: 07:34 Hrs Daylight: 07:34 Hrs

page 29

3.6 - environmental design strategy
The following points and goals were developed as a framework for ensuring an
environmentally-conscious scheme through the initial design process:
• Reduce embodied carbon
Reuse existing fired brick warehouses to keep the carbon within trapped
Use low-carbon construction methods for new build / renovated areas
Plant deciduous trees that act as carbon sinks
Create reed beds to absorb CO2 and reduce waste water runoff
3.7 -daylighting rules-of-thumb
To achieve a successfully environmentally responsive design, rules of thumb must be
applied from the start.
The existing elevations of the Great Northern Warehouse were assessed for their
ability to provide natural daylight to the interior plan. Due to the Grade-II listed status,
changes to the facade should be kept to a minimum, and done respectfully.
Introduction of new openings should be restricted to the roof where it is hidden from a
passing pedestrian’s view to maintain the warehouse character of the building.

• Laboratories require cooling to 8°

Place on North to limit solar gain

• Offices conditioning demands are heating driven

Place on South to maximise solar gain
Apply shading or use north lights to provide shading & diffuse light

• Apply daylighting rules of thumb

Use 6m room depths to allow daylight penetration
Reduce depth of plan through use of a central atrium
Configure central atrium to allow for stack ventilation

• Take advantage of exposed South-facing site

Provide adequate south facing roof for Solar PV / HW

• Utilise natural ventilation

Configure central atrium to allow for stack ventilation & wind

• Reduce water usage

Utilise a rainwater harvesting system
Specify low-water fixtures & fittings

• Encourage sustainable transport to site

Provide staff shower & change to encourage cycling
Provide ample cycle storage
Green the site to encourage pedestrian movement -> use site analysis
• Reduce energy consumption
Specify low-wattage LED lighting throughout
Utilise heat recovery HVAC to reuse warm air generated by industrial
processes & lighting, equipment & live gains
• Limit conditioned areas
Does the entirety of the existing building require conditioning? Can we create
unconditioned spaces that enhance the spacial and daylight quality?
Isolate conditioned areas together
Available: https://leibal.com/interiors/krisvanassche-
Available: https://www.vitsoe.com/gb/careers
office/?utm_source=pinterest&utm_medium=social
Last Accessed: 15/12/2020.
Last Accessed: 15/12/2020.
We can work out estimated maximum naturally-lit room depths using Rennie and
Parand’s environmental design guide. After calculating the amount of glazing possible
(see overleaf), and after deducting window frames and accounting for a new first
floor cutting off the window space available (because of having to install a spandrel
panel to cover the floor plate in elevation) we will be left with less than a 20% ratio of
window to glass. This means we are limited to less than 8m room depths if using only
the current openings, meaning our office would be dark at the back. If the office itself
was limited to 8m depth, it could possibly be daylit, but anything beyond (canteen ect.)
would be too dark.

page 30
Daylighting rules of thumb W1 Great Northern Warehouse existing building survey

North Elevation 1:300 do not scale

South Elevation 1:300 do not scale

West Elevation 1:300 do not scale East Elevation 1:300 do not scale

Initial analysis revealed that

the maximum room depth
should be limited to under
8m if using existing openings.
As the building plan is 22.4m
deep, this results in an area of
around 6.4m deep in the centre
of the plan that is unlikely to be
successfully daylit.

page 31
 • Daylighting Rule-of-Thumb
If the council rejected proposals to
drop sills, and nothing else could
This means we are perhaps not able to daylight all of the internal ground floor uses be done, we used an 8m room,
or have to compromise the plan to force all uses to the perimeter of the plan so they to see if it could actually be daylit
have access to a window, which would forfeit some of the imagined interactivity using another rule of thumb.
between the spaces.
The result satisfies the rule and
Therefore we looked at what could be done to improve the daylighting to the proposed therefore could be daylit from one
ground floor, which started with investigating whether dropping the sills of the existing side.
window openings could help create better natural daylighting.

This was anticipated to result in deeper room depths being possible.

The following page provides an overview of the potential increase in glazed areas if
dropped sills are created.

page 32
W1 Great Northern Warehouse proposed building changes

North Elevation 1:300 do not scale

South Elevation 1:300 do not scale

West Elevation 1:300 do not scale

East Elevation 1:300 do not scale

With the proposal of dropped

sills & introducing new
areas of glazing to currently
bricked-up areas, we could
increase the glazed area of
the south elevation of the
shorter warehouse to 28%,
which could allow for deeper
rooms.

page 33
 Increasing the ratio of glazing creates deeper possible rooms but still results in a 0.4m
• Daylighting Rule-of-Thumb
region that could be underlit in the centre.
Using deeper room depths, the
rule-of-thumb informs us that the
Additionally, deepening the room without changing the window head height (which we
rooms cannot be successfully
are constrained by due to the introduction of a first floor) results in the rule-of-thumb
daylit from one side.
for daylighting returning an unsatisfactory value. This means the deeper rooms cannot
be daylit from one side.
This is because window head
height cannot change due to floor
Therefore larger changes must be introduced in order to create natural daylighting
height constraints within a listed
throughout the entirety of both floors of the proposed plan. The listed building status
building.
prevents major changes to the form of the building and so features than can be
hidden from the street view, such as central atriums, shall be explored.

Additionally, a central atrium would work well to house the canteen and be used as
interactive, adaptable circulation space, that provides a grand entrance.

page 34
3.8 - ventilation strategy

• Ventilation Strategy
Before committing to adding an atrium,
the natural ventilation capabilities of the existing
building was assessed . The psychometric
chart analysed previously suggested that cooling
could be achieved naturally and only 40 hours of
active dehumidification was required for comfort.

• Early-Stage Ventilation Simulation

Utilising the passive cooling design tool OptiVent
(Available: http://optivent.naturalcooling.co.uk/),
initial ventilation analysis was performed on the
sill-dropped modified building, imagining a
3(W)x11.2(D)x3m(H) cell for analysis purposes.

• Unsatisfactory Natural Ventilation

The results show very unsatisfactory ventilation
requirements for office purposes, only just achieving
fresh air requirements when wind driven, and not
even on the scale for the ASHRAE comfort band
charts, being on average far too hot.

• Conclusion
These results show clearly that larger mitigation
measures than simply dropping window
sills are needed to provide adequate natural
daylight & ventilation.

• Possible Improvements
An atrium was considered at the onset due to
their ability to combine reception, canteen
& circulation together in a spatially delightful
setting, and these calculations confirm that
it may be the answer to a more efficient scheme. An
atrium could reduce plan depth by introducing light
to the interior, and providing stack ventilation to
improve air flow through the building. The next
page shows how an atrium could contribute to a
seasonal environmental design approach.

page 35
 PART IV - ITERATIONAL
ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN PROCESS

page 36
 4.1 - proposed atrium daylighting strategy

• Daylighting Strategy
By adding an atrium, plan depth
is effectively reduced allowing High altitude summer sun is
better daylight permeation. blocked by shading
Glazed internal walls allow
diffused daylight to shine into the
offices and labs, and new roof
northlights allow diffuse sunlight
into the upper floor.

Diffuse sunlight from north

Low altitude winter sun is
admitted into the building
envelope

Atrium to be painted light

colours to reflect diffused light
into surrounding rooms

page 37
 4.2 - proposed atrium ventilation strategy

• Ventilation Strategy
By adding an atrium, stack
ventilation is introduced which
induces greater air flow rates
than side-ventilation alone
as pressure differences are
greater. This increases the
natural ventilation and decreases
reliance on powered cooling to
reduce internal temperature in
the building in the summer when
it is needed. It can be closed in the
winter when not needed.

Additional air can be admitted via rooflights Warm air rises and is rejected via high level window
controlled via actuator.

Prevailing southwesterly winds drive air through

Air intake south facing openings
through low
level first floor
vents

Atrium creates stack ventilation Outside air admitted through periphery

effect windows / ventilation louvres

page 38
 4.3 - refined ventilation analysis
Buoyancy driven

• Ventilation Strategy
By adding an atrium, increased air flow can be achieved via stack ventilation,
drawing fresh air through the periphery office / lab rooms and drawing it up through
buoyancy, and expelling it from an opening through the roof.

• Cell Representation
OptiVent was again used to analyse a proposed cell. The openings were designed
with the existing opening sizes but with a dropped sill as previous. The window
was split into a bottom top-hung section with a fixed light above serving Buoyancy + Wind driven
the ground floor, with a spandrel panel covering the ceiling-floor
void and a louvred vent allowing floor-level air intake to the first floor offices.

• OptiVent Analysis
The analysis results show much improved ventilation rates, simulated during July.
The buoyancy-driven rate falls just short of the required air-flow for cooling, but
nevertheless remains within the 90% ASHRAE comfort band. With a 1ms wind-driven
parameter added, the air flow achieves the required cooling level.

• Natural Ventilation Ability Established OPTIVENT 2.0

We now know that the checkmark for Natural Ventilation can be feasibly achieved in A Natural Ventilation Steady-State Calculation Tool for the Early Design Stage of Buildings.
theory when looking at energy performance software such as Sefaira (which
itself only simulates single level side ventilation). This allows us to reduce or discount Project Data: Natural ventilation strategy:
the cooling equipment loads required in our building. (These tests
Project Name: Island Brewery Atria (single-cell)
assume a PassivHaus standard building fabric.) Version: Run 1
Date: 2020-12-08
Consultant: DJ

Location Data: Building Data:

Latitude (decimal degrees): 53 Cell - Floor area (m²): 92
Month: July Cell - Volume (m³): 598
Hour: 12 Outdoor temperature (°C): 20
Prevailing mean outdoor Indoor temperature (°C) 23
temperature (°C): 16 To - Ti (°C): 3
Meteorological Wind Speed (m/s): 1
Terrain data: 1
Inlet (surface) Azimuth: S

Construction Data: Cell - Heat Gains: Apertures Data:

Glazing: Number of people: 8 Effective Height Airflow
occupant gains (W/m²): 7.39 Area Zn Rate
Solar Transmittance Factor (0-1): 0.6
Equipment gains (W/m²): 15 (m²) (m) (m³/s)
Shading Proportion (%): 100
Lighting gains (W/m²): 12 B B+W
Wall Total internal gains (W/m²): 34.39 Inlet 1: 0.9 1.4 0.55 0.69
Total Solar Gains (W/m²) Inlet 2: 0.6 5 0.19 0.33
Surface Absorptance (0-1): 0.7
Cell 1: 24.78 Inlet' 1: 1 2 0.55 0.51
U-Value (W/m²·K): 0.15
Total heat generated (kW) Inlet' 2: 1 5 0.19 0.13
Ext. Surf. Transmittance (W/m²·K): 3.5
Cell 1: 5.44 Outlet O: 3.3-2.77 9 -1.47 -1.66
Roof
Surface Absorptance (0-1): 0.9
U-Value (W/m²·K): 0.15
Ext. Surf. Transmittance (W/m²·K) 5.6
Typical Cell represented in OptiVent

page 39
4.4 - energy performance optimisation

• Assessing impact of rules-of-thumb

The rules of thumb allowed for an environmentally responsive plan to be
created, from which a 3D Revit model was constructed. The next step in
the design was to simulate and optimise the model in the Energy
Performance Simulation software Sefaira.

baseline simulation
Part L 2013 U-Values
• A “Baseline” scenario was ran through Sefaira
The Baseline is a simplified model used to assess the impact of further Simplified geometry analysed in the Baseline Scenario
environmental design optimisations. Sefaira produces a useful Gains & Losses
chart which highlights key areas in which improvements can be made.

• Baseline Geometry
The baseline model included proposed glazing areas, a glass atrium,
considerable amounts of rooflights and Part L 2013 U-Value standard fabric
elements. CIBSE Recommended Lux Levels

• EUI - 99kWh/m2/yr
This EUI (Energy Use Intensity) is significantly below the “50% below CIBSE
benchmark”.

• Main Losses Identified

The building (Using Office presets with a workplane height of 0.85m) is mostly
overlit; this isn’t necessarily a problem in the canteen which is
brightest (see central bright yellow area) but is a problem in the
offices. Additionally, reducing glazing will reduce the heating losses through
roof conduction and glazing conduction in the Gains & Losses table.
First Floor
• Heat-Loss Form Factor Daylighting Visualisation
The rectilinear shape of the existing warehouse with the roof rework results in
a form factor of roughly 2.65. This is a good result and likely the main reason
for the low EUI.

• South Solar Gain

South Solar can be seen to have a large negative effect on cooling,
increasing cooling loads and therefore the EUI. Some solar gain in the
winter is beneficial, so shading designed to shade in the warmer months will
be implemented.

• Iterative Optimisation
Changes must be made in iterations to highlight the specific effect they are Ground Floor
having; optimisations were applied and are detailed on the next page. Daylighting Visualisation

page 40
 Baseline Rev A Rev B Rev C
+ South Solar Shading + West fin shading - ‘Invert’ atrium
+ Opaque atrium roof + Opaque atrium cheek walls -Drop roof to First Floor
*solar shading for 12pm summer solstice. - Reduced sky lights
Reduction of
In the baseline, South solar West solar reduced, conditioned area
solar gain is is reduced lighting improved has negative effect
identified as a successfully, again. Reduction of due to increased
contributing factor and overlighting rooflights improved form factor. More
to energy gains. reduced. South lighting & reduced losses through
Also, overlighting is solar still raises glazing conduction. increased external
a problem; south cooling loads and EUI however fabric area reverse
shading should be west solar should not lowered, the previous energy
applied. also be addressed. try reducing saving measures, so
conditioned area. this form shall not
be pursued. Form
would also reduce
stack height.

Next Steps...

• Address Wall & Roof Conduction

The efficient 2.65 form-factor already
limits heat-loss area, so reducing
LV01 over 00 LV01 over 00 the U-Values of these elements is the
LV01 over 00 next step to reducing conduction
through them.

• Factor in Zones, HVACs & Solar PV

As we established earlier, we can
possibly cool the office spaces
of this building completely
naturally, but labs have different
energy requirements. Also,
expansive south facing
roofs provide ideal space for
LV00 LV00
LV00 solar PV generation, which should not
be ignored.

page 41
Further optimisation
• Sefaira Web-App
The Sefaira web-app allows for more in-depth analysis and tweaks to be
made to the analysis. This allows us to look at potential ways to reduce the EUI
further.

• Usage-Based Zoning
The web-app also allows different zones to be assigned different energy
use profiles. By applying default Laboratory settings to the lab areas, we
can see that the estimated EUI is actually much higher than previously
though, as laboratories are very energy intensive.

• Fabric Improvements
The web-app also allows different zones to be assigned different energy
use profiles. By applying default Laboratory settings to the lab areas, we
can see that the estimated EUI is actually much higher than previously
though, as laboratories are very energy intensive.

• Zoned Baseline Concept - Test 01

A baseline concept was set up, using the same geometry as before but with
rooms split into zones based on their energy use profile. We see an EUI of
161kWh/m2/yr, much higher than before.

• PassivHaus - Test 02
The baseline was cloned and the Part L 2013 fabric replaced with PassivHaus
standard fabric elements. (U Values of 0.15 for Walls, Roof & Floors and 0.8
for glazing). This resulted in a 5% EUI drop to 152kWh/m2/yr. Heating
reduced by 30%, but cooling increased by 22% due to heat being trapped
in the building. This highlights how important natural ventilation is when using
a highly-insulated building fabric.

• Natural Ventilation - Test 03

As established before, natural ventilation to cool the building can be
theoretically achieved, however this was using Office presets. The labs require
a much lower ambient temperature of 8°C, and so the same ventilation
levels wouldn’t work here. This should be taken into account when discussing
these results. Natural ventilation reduces EUI by a further 25% to
120kWh/m2/yr by reducing cooling requirements by 81% compared to
the baseline. Note that by allowing for natural ventilation, heating
requirements are 4kWh/m2/yr higher than PassivHaus alone, but this still
equals out at a net reduction for EUI.

• Solar PV Potential - Test 04

Finally, the possible use of Solar PV generation was considered. The large
amounts of exposed south-facing roof across the scheme gives solar PV a
great chance to reduce carbon emissions and fuel bills. The estimated Solar
PV area and efficiencies were inputted,and this resulted in the result of
-135kWh/m2/yr, which will be discussed further on the next page.

page 42
 4.5 - green energy

• Solar PV
The large expanses of south-facing roof makes applying solar PV a natural
decision. Assuming 50% coverage of total feasible area, we can achieve
roughly 2579m2 of panels.

Initial simulations suggest this would reduce the EUI to -135, meaning
generation exceeds consumption. However, this calculation takes all of the
available roof area without also allowing for energy demands of the rest
of the building (namely, production & warehousing conditioning.)
Therefore the results show a promising ability for PV to cover the energy
demands but without knowing exact power demands from the production
facilities this cannot be 100% confirmed. Turbines?

• Wind
Included in Murphy & Son Ltd’s initial vision is a wind farm. The extended site
provided gives an opportunity for a number of turbines to be installed Roof areas identified for solar PV. Light yellow could be PV Glass, dark yellow
throughout the garden area, as the predominant SW wind is relatively traditional panels.
unobstructed due to the rail track. Wind turbines have a number
of disadvantages however that may make them infeasible, namely
associated noise (distance from residential developments and
acoustic massing of buildings mitigates this) and the visual impact against
the listed warehouse. Therefore although they are possible, specialist and
council advice should be sought and Solar PV be prioritised in the meantime
due to its less intrusive nature.

• Alternative HVAC Systems

Sefaira assumes and assigns HVAC based upon the predominantly used
system in the geographic region and building type which is being simulated.
Some HVAC systems such as Ground Source Heat Pumps aren’t yet available
in the software but it is envisioned that alternative HVAC systems could again
have an effect on reducing the EUI by increased efficiency; this is to be looked
into in more detail later in the scheme.

• Heat Recovery
The heat recovery systems used a 50% sensible heat recovery efficiency
parameter, but did not include any of the production processes reclaimed
heat. These industrial processes are foreseen to give off a considerable
amount of heat which should be recaptured and used to heat incoming air.

Non-traditional 3.1kW “wind tree” in France. Available: https://www.forbes.com/sites/

jeffkart/2018/12/17/the-french-wind-tree-is-coming-to-the-u-s/?sh=2eebcff4c7e0 Last
accessed 09/12/2020.
page 43
 4.6 - Achieving passivhaus

• PassivHaus U-Values
“Passivhaus buildings provide a high level of occupant comfort while using
very little energy for heating and cooling.” - PassivHaus Trust, 2020. This is
achieved through stringently low U-Values reducing energy loss through
the fabric of the building and high airtightness levels to prevent infiltration
and leakages to the external environment.

A PassivHaus standard fabric requires 0.15 W/m²K Walls, Roofs & Floors, 0.8W/
m²K for glazing, and an airtightness of less than 0.6 air changes per hour.

• Retrofitting for U-Values

To achieve these low U-Values,the existing brickwork facade must be
retrofitted with high-performance insulation. Brick is a natural material
that absorbs water, and so maintaining a drying factor through
either a ventilated cavity or breathable insulation is essential
to prolonging the lifespan and appearance of the listed building.
A more comprehensive comparison features overleaf.

• Possible Airtightness Strategies

A high airtightness value (lower air changes per hour) reduces infiltration
and losses to the external environment. This, in tandem with an effective Diagram showing new proposed structure and airtight layer
natural ventilation strategy, helps keep the internal environment at optimal
levels without expending further energy through active conditioning.
High levels of airtightness are achieved with a continuous airtight barrier
wrapping the exterior of the building across junctions and detailing. This
can take the form of either a membrane layer, such as a vapour
control sheet, lapped with damp proof membranes in the floor. It can also be
provided by continuous runs of wet plaster, with care being taken to plaster
behind areas normally left unfinished such as service shafts, if a membrane is
not specified.

• Proposed Structural Solutions

The existing brickwork is propped up by a matrix of scaffolding. Therefore the
renovated building will require additional structure to maintain the integrity
of the external walls. A secondary structure or frame is to be constructed and
tied back to the existing brick shell, lending support and providing bearing for
new floors ect. Structural options are discussed in more detail overleaf.

PassivHaus performance targets. PassivHaus building anatomy.

Available: https://www.passivhaustrust.org.uk/what_is_ Available: https://passiv.de/en/02_informations/02_
passivhaus.php Last Accessed: 15/12/2020 passive-house-requirements/02_passive-house-
requirements.htm Last Accessed: 15/12/2020.

page 44
4.7 - cre8 barn case study

• Cre8 Barn- Stirley Community Farm Case Study

This project is an EnerPHit-certified (A subsection of
PassivHaus) barn conversion in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.
It won the Retrofit category of the 2015 PassivHaus awards,
and utilises a “box-within-a-box” construction method. A
timber frame was constructed within the masonry outer
shell to provide stability & ensure thermal performance.
Notably, the project utilises an “innovative thermal bridge- 1. Barn before conversion 2. Construction method diagram 3. Foam insulation at door thresholds
free wall connector technique” to cut down on cold bridging, reduces thermal bridging
made from a basalt resin.

• Structure Choice
There are a number of options for structure, but a frame
is the most sensible option because of its lower weight
compared to using blockwork (and therefore less disruptive
foundation digging.) The Cre8 barn used a timber frame,
which also makes sense here; timber can be purchased
from sustainable sources and sequester carbon from the
atmosphere and trap it. Additionally, timber has a low
U-Value compared to steel, reducing severity of thermal
bridging in connecting elements.
4. Airtightness achieved by taping 5. Internal timber structure with 6. Finished exposed structure can be visually
• Engineered Timber insulation boards at seams vapour block membrane interesting
Most of the scheme features short spans, but the atrium
may necessitate longer span beams which would be
exposed to staff and visitors. This is a good opportunity to NATURAL PLANT / ANIMAL DERIVED MINERAL DERIVED OIL DERIVED
use an engineered timber solution such as Glulam or CLT
as it has a natural, appealing aesthetic and allows long
spans (and long rises when used as columns).

• Insulation Specification
Opposite is a graph showing predicted thermal conductivity
and embodied energy of various insulating materials. We
can see that oil-derived insulating boards offer slightly
lower thermal conductivity values but have considerably
higher embodied energies. This means there is the potential
that a lot of carbon from non-renewable sources was
released in their manufacture. Additionally, they are typically
not vapour-penetrable, meaning moisture could collect
between them and the brickwork. Mineral wool offers a
good middle-ground, but with Murphy & Son being heavily
invested in a net-zero carbon building, woodfibre insulation
will be specified, due to its low (and even potentially
negative) embodied energy/carbon.
Cre8 barn images Available: https://www.greenbuildingstore.
co.uk/technical-resource/cre8-barn-stirley-farm-enerphit/ Chart comparing thermal conductivity values to estimated embodied energy of various insulation materials, using values from https://www.
Last accessed: 24/12/2020. greenspec.co.uk/building-design/insulation-introduction/ Last Accessed: 16/12/2020.
page 45
4.8 - proposed structure
Proposed External Wall 45Omm Existing Brick Outer Leaf @ 0.710 W/mK
• Proposed External Wall

The proposed external wall

section is displayed opposite,
achieving a theoretical U-Value
of 0.13 W/m²K. Not shown is WALL ESTIMATED U-VALUE
50mm Ventilated Cavity
the important tape- all joints -Ancon Teplo-L-Tie Basalt wall ties or similar
between insulation boards
should be sealed. Additionally, a
vapour control layer may need
to be installed over the studwork.
3mm Plaster Skim @ 0.16W/mK 150mm Woodfibre Insulation @ 0.037W/mK
Boards in adjacent layers should -Standard contractor’s choice -STEICO ProtectDry Type L or similar
also be laid to avoid lining up
seams to avoid cold bridging
100mm Woodfibre Insulation between studs
through the gaps. U-Value is
-STEICO ProtectDry Type L or similar
expected to be lower at stud
positions, which could mean ROOF ESTIMATED U-VALUE
more than 150mm insulation
specified on outer layer.

• Proposed Glazing 15mm Gypsum Board @ 0.19W/mK

-Gyproc WallBoard 15mm or similar
Glazing should be triple-glazed
achieving a U-Value of 0.8
W/m²K or better. They must
contain a thermal break within
the construction. The preferred Proposed Pitched Roof 60mm Woodfibre Sarking Board @ 0.048W/mK
choice is an aluminium-timber -STEICOuniversal or similar
composite system such as
that by RAICO; this reduces the Welsh Slate Roof Tiles @ 2.0W/mK Battens & Counterbattens
amount of aluminium in the -Penrhyn ‘Bangor Blue’ or similar -Contractor’s choice FSC timber
project (which is a carbon-
intensive material). Additionally,
timber is a better insulator than
profiled aluminium, creating a
better thermal break. 18mm OSB/3 @ 0.13W/mK
-Contractor’s choice FSC / recycled
• Proposed Roof

The roof is a little more

complicated as the listed status
may limit our material choices.
It appears at current to have a
200mm Woodfibre Insulation between rafters
concrete tile roof. It is proposed Companies such as RAICO offer
-STEICO ProtectDry Type L or similar
to construct a new roof from PassivHaus-certified composite timber-
slate sourced within the UK, aluminium curtain glazing. Available:
15mm Gypsum Board @ 0.19W/mK
which has a long lifespan and https://spectrumarchitectural.com/
-Gyproc WallBoard 15mm or similar
low embodied carbon. raico-passive-house-curtain-walling-
3mm Plaster Skim @ 0.16W/mK php/ Last Accessed 17/12/2020.
-Standard contractor’s choice

page 46
4.9 - shading design
SOLAR ANGLE @ 9AM AUG 8TH. = 37.81 °

• Shading Design

The shading used previously was W1:

designed to run simply in the software
and provide complete shading at
12pm on the summer solstice, but this W2:
may not be the best period of time to
shade for, as this will only ensure 100%
shading for the highest altitude of the
year. W3:

• Heating-Cooling Loads
W4:
Back in Sefaira, all shading was
removed and data was extracted to
plot a graph of heating loads against
cooling loads. We can understand that
while we can shade at some times of
the year to reduce cooling loads, this TYPICAL SOUTH WINDOW
may also end up wasting solar gain
at other times in the year. Therefore, if CANOPY ALLOWS VIEW
we choose to fully shade the building & ACCESS OUT TO W3
from where the cooling loads overtake GARDENS
FROM CANTEEN
the heating loads, we should produce
optimised shading, in theory. In this
case, cooling loads are higher than
heating loads from roughly mid-June
through mid-August.
W2
• Proposed Shading
W1
The shading shown here is designed to W4
shade the entirety of the glazing from
9am through 3pm on the 8th August.
This is when heating loads begin to
overtake cooling loads. This means
that the glazing will be shaded from
times the dates shown on the graph.
Because the summer solstice occurs
TIMBER SHADING HAS LOWER EM-
before the warmest days of summer,
BODIED ENERGY THAN ALUMINIUM
there is always a compromise with
fixed shading; this shading design
probably shades a little too early in the OVERHANG SHADING ALLOWS VIEWS OUT TO GAR-
DEN FOR BOTTOM HALF OF WINDOW & ALLOWS
year than would be preferred. Adaptive LOUVRED SHADING REDUCES VISUAL
OUTWARD OPENING FOR VENTILATION
shading could solve this, but would WEIGHT VS TWO OVERHANG SHAD-
add a level of complexity and cost INGS / ONE VERY LARGE OVERHANG
perhaps not worth it on this project. SHADE Key Plan NTS

page 47
 PART V - PROPOSED SCHEME

page 48
5.1 - PROPOSED SCHEME

• Site Location

The site is located in Nottingham within

the greater East Midlands region of the
UK. The site lies within the boundaries
of the greater “Boots Island” site which
is undergoing regeneration as part of a
masterplan for the area.

The site earmarked for the brewery

development comprises circa. 2.8Ha
of brownfield land north of the Midland
Mainline railway, flanked on the
western edge by a fitness centre, and
the east by Manver’s street, a busy
A-Road that leads into the city centre,
itself only a 10 minute walk away.

The Sneinton residential area lies to the

east of the site and thus the site forms
part of a natural thoroughfare to the
city centre and the station. As such,
once regeneration is complete the site
should expect high levels of pedestrian
movement across it.

The client is Murphy & Son Ltd, a

brewery supply company who
have outgrown their current base
of operation at the Prince of Wales
brewery in Basford.

This site offers a great opportunity

to retain Murphy’s presence in
Nottingham whilst giving them greater
space to expand their business.
The proposed use of the site is
brewery supplies manufacturing and
warehousing with associated office
and admin spaces, staff facilities &
lecturing facilities to allow visitors to
learn more about the company & LOCATION PLAN NTS
sustainable brewing.

page 49
 • Site Layout

The site currently hosts two heritage

warehouse buildings; both are
dilapidated and in dire need of repair.

W1 is the Great Northern Warehouse, a

Grade-II listed former corn warehouse.
The facade is proposed to be retained
as an iconic view for those entering
Nottingham by train, announcing
their arrival to the city. It is proposed
to be the “Pièce de résistance” of the Amount
scheme and host the admin, staff and
primary production spaces as well Accom. Schedule
as a showcase craft bar and shops.
There is currently no internal structure Staff numbers ect.
and so the facade will sympathetically
restored with changes to allow for a
Canteen covers. W1
W2

sustainable design; a complete rebuild

of the original is not deemed viable
No. of retail units / use classes
due to the deterioration of the existing
structure.

W2 is the James Alexander Warehouse,

more stoic in appearance than W1. This
warehouse will be used for storage of W3
manufactured products. Its condition
is generally better than that of W1 and
thus is proposed to be restore as far
as possible to its original specification.
The internal structure may be retained
as per structural engineers guidance.

W3 is a new proposed breakout

warehouse to provide Murphy &
Son with the space they anticipate
to need in the future. It will be
inkeeping with the materiality of the
existing warehouses and feature
a contemporary design, but one
subservient in demeanour to W1
to ensure a visual hierarchy is
maintained.

A service yard for lorries is proposed SITE PLAN NTS

adjacent the embankment onto
Manvers Street.

page 50
5.2 - Proposed plans
Ground Floor:
The ground floor features the main
lobby entrance, passing reception
and entering into the atrium canteen
space. This provides a bright, airy
arrival point and allows the user a
clear view of the surrounding spaces
to ease wayfinding. This interior space
may also be rearranged to allow for
functions ect.

Staff facilities such as WC, showers

& changing rooms are located
here, along with the An office and a
boardroom with views of the gardens
to the south. The bar, brewery and
production facilities front the roadside GROUND FLOOR NTS
allowing easy servicing by vehicle and
good street advertisement.

The kitchen serves the canteen but

may also service the bar subject to
licensing agreements if sublet. Winter
gardens increase green space on
site an allow for staff leisure breakout
space in the summer. Cycles and
refuse are housed in the western
portion allowing for easy access.

First Floor:
Stairs off the atrium provide access to
the second floor landing, which looks
down into the canteen. Laboratories
on the north and offices on the south
receive daylighting from above.
Additional WCs ensure staff comfort
and a secondary set of stairs enclosed
in fire-resistant construction provides a
secondary means of escape. A lounge
with views out to the garden & winter FIRST FLOOR NTS
gardens provides staff with plenty of
spaces to relax on their breaks.

page 51
• Building Layout

Second Floor:
The second floor is accessed via the
secondary staircase and hosts the
training room. This gives visitors their
own quarter to work from and prevents
them getting in the way of the day-to-
day running of the facility. The roof can
be accessed via the circulatory space.

Note: Full accessibility via lift is

currently not available to this floor. An
additional lift may be installed here,
details tbc and to be decided between
Nottingham City Council & the Client.
SECOND FLOOR NTS

Roof:
The roof spaces may feature Solar
PV panels, and therefore access for
maintenance is provided. The roofs are
primarily pitched slate to assist with
rainwater and snow run-off but some
areas are flat, structure tbc. The roofs
to the winter garden are to be glazed
to allow solar penetration for the
plants & increase internal temperature
somewhat.

ROOF PLAN NTS

page 52
5.3 - proposed elevations

Scale:

The scale of the existing buildings is to

be preserved.

SOUTH ELEVATION NTS

Appearance:

The appearance of the existing

building is generally to be maintained,
with the introduction on certain new
elements.

New slate roofing is to be introduced

to replace the old roof; slate is a
hardy material used frequently in
the vernacular architecture and
compliments the heritage brickwork.

Openings are to be reglazed with

triple-glazing as no existing glazing
is deemed retainable. Windows still NORTH ELEVATION NTS
retaining leading are to be copied as
close as possible.

Amount:

Proposed room schedule for the office

and production building can be found
opposite.

Specific subdibision of the laboratory,

office & production space will be
undertaken in further consultation
with the client and specialist
subcontractors such as the laboratory
fit-out specialists.

WEST ELEVATION NTS

page 53
 5.4 - 3d visualisations

External 01 - Public Park Frontage

The restoration of the Great Northern Warehouse will reinvigorate the site and take advantage of people moving through it to and from the city centre.

page 54
External 02 - Proposed Gardens to South

The introduction of extensive gardens and reed beds to the south of the warehouses will increase biodiversity on site and provide plenty of outdoor space for staff
to use when the weather permits. Security regarding the edge of the site fronting the fitness centre car park may need addressing and suitable fencing erected. The
gardens may also be used to grow show crops such as Hops, with appropriate species being selected for the outdoor gardens and the enclosed winter gardens.

page 55
 Internal 01 - Atrium Canteen

The central atrium allows daylight to flood the interior space and allows for easy way-finding to the rooms accessed off of it. The canteen could have various
layouts including boothed seating and may be used for events. The large window seen at the back allows views into the winter gardens and the external gardens
can be seen through the office spaces.

page 56
Internal 02- Boardroom

The boardroom is light & airy with views out to the gardens. It receives south solar gain helping it stay warm and is ventilated by operable windows and vents above
glazing leading to the atrium to allow for stack ventilation.

page 57
 PUBLIC PARK

GARDENS

Exterior 03 - Site Axonometric

page 58
PART VI - REFERENCES

page 59
6.1 - BIBLIOGRAPHY
IMAGE SOURCE LOCATIONS ARE LOCATED ON THE PAGE THEY FEATURE.

SCALED DRAWINGS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.

DO NOT SCALE FROM DRAWINGS IN REPORT. USE DIMENSIONED VALUES ONLY.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

CIBSE (2006). ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN CIBSE GUIDE A. 7TH ED. LONDON: THE CHARTERED INSTITUTION OF BUILDING SERVICES EN-
GINEERS LONDON

NOTTINGHAM CITY COUNCIL (2016). ISLAND SITE NOTTINGHAM SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING DOCUMENT. NOTTINGHAM: NOT-
TINGHAM CITY COUNCIL. AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: HTTPS://WWW.NOTTINGHAMINSIGHT.ORG.UK/D/AAXDFH2 (OPENS DOWNLOAD LINK.)

RENNIE, D. PARAND, F. (1998). ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN GUIDE FOR NATURALLY VENTILATED & DAYLIT OFFICES. BERKSHIRE: BRE
GROUP

LOGOS:

UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM: HTTPS://WWW.NOTTINGHAM.AC.UK/

MURPHY & SON CASTLE LOGO: HTTPS://WWW.BFBI.ORG.UK/MEMBERS-NEWS/60-YEARS-COMBINED-SERVICE-COMES-TO-AN-
END-AT-MURPHY-SON-LTD/

STUDIO D IS THE BRANDING DESIGNATION OF MYSELF, DANIEL JOHNSON, FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES. IT IS NOT A REGISTERED COMPANY NOR IS IT, OR MYSELF, LIABLE FOR ACCURACY OFANY INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THIS DOCUMENT FOR A REAL-
LIFE BUILT PROJECT. PLEASE CONTACT ME AT DANIELFBLUESTONE@GMAIL.COM IF YOU HAVE FURTHER QUESTIONS.

page 60