Energy
Today's buildings should be designed to be as environmentally and energy conscious as possible - this not only has obvious benefits for the planet, but the significantly reduced running costs benefit the bottom line of the client: the profit margin. Careful design also negates incidences of SBS (sick building syndrome) by reducing or even in places removing the necessity of air conditioning. The elements of proposed concept, from screens to atria have been designed from the outset with energy awareness and building comfort in mind.
The proposed building use is more space intensive than the original layout - with perimeter-situated concessions. The cross flow of air, and light penetration will therefore be interrupted or obscured in many places. The introduction of the Vortex atrium and full height glazing above the main Bridge Street entrance at the Vortex lobby will bring light into the heart of the building. The deep penetration of light into the building will reduce dependence on artificial lighting, whilst Sunpipes or similar are proposed to channel light into darker areas of the building further reducing lighting/energy costs.
The vortex atrium is also designed to enhance the- 'thermal stack effect', where cooler air is drawn into the space whist warm air rises and exits via the atrium, helping to keep the building cool and reducing the air conditioning loading.
Dependent on further investigation, it is proposed to use a 'chilled beam' system for integrated and efficient lighting/cooling installation, where the cooling could be driven by heat exchangers using the water table of Castries.
Externally, the new signature feature of the perforated anodised aluminium screens along the west and north elevation will reduce glare and solar heat gain to the building, whilst still allowing air flow, moderating the internal climate.