The Energy Safety Research Institute (ESRI)

Location
Swansea
Client
Swansea University
Value
£12.6m
Completion
2015
Size
3968sqm
BREEAM Rating
'Outstanding'

Centrepiece of University’s research into renewable and alternative energy

This BREEAM “Outstanding” building is the centrepiece of Swansea University’s research into renewable and alternative energy production. It is also the new home of its name sake, the Energy Safety Research Institute (ESRI), whose goal is to build the bridge to a sustainable, affordable and secure energy future.The building accommodates a showcase lecture theatre, high quality offices, communal areas, meeting rooms, research offices, scientific testing and experimental laboratories.

The building’s orientation, layout and natural ventilation help to achieve passive low energy. In addition it incorporates a micro CHP unit as well as solar PV, rainwater harvesting and full LED lighting. In addition to architecture, our own landscape architects are working on the project.

All areas except the lecture theatre are naturally ventilated with opening windows. Natural cross ventilation is provided to the main open plan spaces on the north with acoustic attenuation against the traffic noise of the busy main road into Swansea – Fabian Way. A displacement ventilation distribution system provides conditioned air for the lecture theatre.


Landscape Architecture

Stride Treglown’s Landscape team was commissioned as lead consultant for the delivery of the external works infrastructure programme of the Science and Innovation Bay Campus in Swansea. The landscape design requires a robust approach to the coastal environmental conditions and the demands of student activities.

We dealt with a number of environmental challenges during the construction phases of this development programme, including:
• Costal climate conditions
• Contaminated soils
• Neighbouring SSSI