DESIGN DESCRIPTION
Building for a New Future: Cheltenham ArtGallery & Museum UK.
Our vision full of dynamism and complexity in its form answers in a very simple functional layout of the areas that structure the building. These spaces are well connected through an open access between two streets upholding a performance area and a vertical translucent circulation which leads to a distributing area in each floor.
The building itself is contained by a skin made out of a material designed in a triangular shape in order to obtain a larger surface of contact with the solar radiation to generate an energy supply for the building itself. This surface is light weighted and reflects the context of the street merging the new architecture to the existing in a very subtle way. In committing ourselves to design theCheltenhamMuseumandArtGallery, we believed in the potential for architecture to nurture a diverse community, display works of art and uplift the general public and staff alike.
We believe that the design must be ecologically conscious in response to the situation the planet is facing, therefore, we promote the use of eco-friendly technology. We strongly encourage the use of on-site/off-site sustainable energy sources and the relationship between controlled environments for the exhibition/display galleries, stores, and open access stores, in complying with our aspirations for a low-energy building, in order to create an excellent example of sustainable architecture and functional design. An important feature for the construction of this project is the use of innovative building techniques (green technology) and materials. Heating, cooling, water, electricity will all be run by Green Technology. When green technology is incorporated into a structure, the average utility costs are decreased by 50%. In addition, green buildings require less maintenance and repair and promote better health among occupants. However, green buildings don’t just benefit the individual; they benefit our society at large by reducing the environmental impact of a structure.
The Museum project design is compelling because all of the elements have conjoined to make it possible to create a place of distinction and quality. The site combines beauty, prominence, and accessibility while affording the opportunity to bring diverse architecture from three different centuries together.
We want the Museum to be timeless and a work of art itself.
Sustainable Features
The Museum and ArtGalleryaims to develop a new kind of community in existing neighborhoods that promote human and ecological health. Also promotes a community that restores the air, water, and soil on which life depends, and contributes to the quality, diversity, vitality, and prosperity of its neighbors. An essential component to this will be to embrace new construction methods, innovative renewable building materials, and forward-thinking renewable energy strategies capable of restoring our relationship to the planet.
This building will follow the BREEAM standards for energy efficient practices: Water Efficiency, Energy & Atmosphere, Building Materials & Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Innovative Design Process.
Photovoltaic: The project will use 35 percent less energy than a similar building designed to National Energy Code requirements, and provides a 65 percent reduction in summer peak demand. In addition, five percent of the building’s base electrical load is generated by onsite solar power.
Heat Pump: State-of-the-art Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems will regulate the units. One of these components will be a high-tech heat pump.
Water Conservation: Collecting rainwater reduces runoff to city sewers during storms and can offset dependence on city water supplies. The museum’s water catchment will be used to water the roof garden and possibly flush toilets. In addition, decisions on plumbing systems throughout the building will be guided by the goal of maximum water conservation. Water saving plumbing fixtures and appliances, and wastewater reuse help to reduce the building’s potable water consumption by more than 50 percent compared to a similar size building.
Green Roof: Besides being attractive, they create oxygen, harvests rainwater for reuse, and diminish rainwater runoff to storm drains. Stormwater is captured by special water retention layers installed beneath the soil of the plantings on the rooftop gardens. This layer is made of an egg-crate shaped material that can hold up to two inches of rain before it overflows into the roof drains. This simple technique keeps rainwater in reserve beneath the soil, making it available to plants through a wicking process when the surface soil is dry.
Building Management System (BMS): A single computerized system that coordinates controls for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, security, and other building systems. The BMS performs critical tasks including the remote monitoring of essential systems and automatically alerts maintenance personnel when equipment needs tending to.
Indoor Air Exchange: The Museum will feature a central air filtration system that pulls in fresh air from the highest point of the build, and filters 85 percent of particulates before providing each space with fresh filtered air. Working in tandem with the building’s geothermal heating and cooling system, the air is heated and humidified during cold weather and cooled and dehumidified during warm weather.
PHOTOVOL GLASS
Renewable energy supply mitigates solar radiation and glare. Protects against UV rays. Possible to harness the energy produced by the panels to power LED lighting
GLASS SANDPAPER
Glass stairs with surface safety finish. Durable and long-lasting. 95% glass
5% polyester resin
GREENSCREEN
Recycled content, landscaped walls increase energy efficiency
MOONLIGHT MFL
Multifunctional lighting. Low energy consumption. Semi-translucent Polythene
NATUREMAT
Lightweight roof planting systems. Instant greening system. Low maintenance with little or no artificial irrigation requirement
ZERO DISCHARGE
Gains manages and uses the rain falls. Separates the sewage water by pollutant. Oxides with ozone the water discharge allowing its reuse or recycle. Redirects rain or treated water surplus to the water-bearing stratum
AFM SAFE COAT
Low or no VOC ( Volatile Organic Compounds) Paints. Minimize off-gassing
FINISHED CONCRETE FLOOR WITH EMBEDDED ASH
Material that reduces waste. Diverts the material from the waste stream, reducing the energy investment in processing virgin materials, conserving virgin materials, and allaying pollution
SYNDECRETEBATHCOUNTERTOP
Mixed materials like plastic regrinds, recycled glass and scrap wood chips with cement to create a strong surface
CORK FLOORING
Warm, comfortable and renewable. Antimicrobial, resistant to molds, mildews and fire
THERMO MAX
Warm water system by solar energy. Quite efficient
Credits:
Design Architect: Paul Cremoux W. / Adriana Monrroy N. / Irma Soler
Project Team: Oscar Martínez
Client: City of Cheltenham
Lugar: United Kindom
Area: 2,200m² / 23,680sqft. Fecha: 2007.
