The Project
This ongoing project is to replace the existing Crewe fire station. Robert Whetham Associates (RWA) are creating the detailed building services design of the new fire station on behalf of the M&E (Mechanical and Electrical) Contractor, T Clarke. The project also includes building a temporary fire station for use while the works are carried out. The main contractor is ISG Construction, the architects are Bradshaw Glass and Hope, and the client is Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.
RWA are currently at RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) stage 3 of the design which is the contractor proposals stage, focused on Spatial Coordination. Stage 4, the finalised design, will commence shortly and the project will begin in a few months’ time to be completed in 2023.
Our Solution
RWA has designed a solution that takes into account sustainability as well as mechanical
and electrical design solutions.
We collaborated with other members of the design team to create a 3D model of the building in BIM (Building Information Modelling). We used Revit software to bring all elements of architecture, engineering and construction into the model to enable the team to deliver a more efficient and cost-effective project.
Our objectives are based on meeting the BREEAM (Building Research Establishment’s Environmental Assessment Method) standards of excellence. We have also incorporated designs that will enable the new build to achieve nett zero carbon targets. These will be achieved through air source heat pumps for heating and hot water, photovoltaics for
electricity, and energy-efficient lighting and controls.
RWA introduced passive design measures to provide a reduction in the building emission rate, a reduction in space heating requirements and annual solar gains (heat increases from absorbed solar radiation). This ensures fabric heat losses are minimised, good levels of natural daylight are achieved, and solar gains are utilised during autumn and winter.
These measures include:
– Installation of solar shading devices such as bris soleil
– Improvements to window, wall, ground, roof and glazing U values (thermal transmittance)
– Provision of full height glazing in areas to maximise daylight levels at the deepest part of each room.
In conjunction with Seven Consulting, RWA carried out calculations and produced reports to determine the best method of reducing building emission rates, making use of low and zero-carbon technologies and passive design measures. This was carried out to ultimately provide a building that is nett zero carbon.
The reports that we produced were:
– Thermal comfort calculations
– Daylight analysis calculations
– Reduction in energy usage
– Low zero carbon technologies
– Passive design analysis
– BRUKL (Building Regulations UK, Part L) calculations
Solution Benefits
The new fire station will accommodate enhanced modern training facilities and additional office space. The upper floor will be accessible by a lift which the current fire station doesn’t have. The building will be constructed with electric vehicle charging facilities.
As a nett zero carbon building, the new fire station will be highly energy-efficient and powered by onsite renewable energy sources with any excess carbon being offset.