Leeds University’s new £7.9 million energy research building is a centre of excellence – nationally and internationally – for research into low-carbon technologies, these include sustainable use of fossil fuels, carbon capture, biofuels, material recycling and transport policy.
The facility was built using heavyweight concrete, which is a key factor in the passive sustainability design and construction of the building. The concrete has been left exposed, in order to maximise the material’s thermal-mass potentials and also reduce the need for air conditioning.
In line with this requirement, CCL designed and installed post-tensioned slabs incorporating its XF system, which reduced floor thickness whilst maintaining fair-faced soffits.
It is intended to be the ultimate in energy-efficient design, incorporating solar hot-water generation, an on site combined heat and power station for conversion of waste heat, occupancy sensors and demand-driven ventilation.
The building is an extension of the original engineering complex and it is estimated that 170 researchers and students will be based there. CCL’s total contract schedule ran from August to November 2010.
