| Computer Science and Software Engineering |  |
University Of Canterbury New Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science Building: Building Services
Ove Arup and Partners (NZ) Ltd, for University of Canterbury.
The new Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science building at University of Canterbury, is difficult to categorise. Taking advantage of natural heating and air flow to save energy, it works on many levels to satisfy a wide range of user needs and environmental concerns.
The clever elements embodied in the heating and cooling systems of this building and designed by consultants Ove Arup & Partners (NZ) Ltd, won it a Gold Award of Excellence at the ACENZ Annual Awards dinner on 7 August.
Ove Arup has developed a "Passive" design for the building and its services to make maximum use of natural heating and ventilation with less reliance on automatic systems.
The building consists of three elements: the academic rooms, double height spaces/atrium and a teaching block. The uses of the three blocks are quite different in terms of heating/cooling needs.
The academic rooms are predominantly modular offices and ideally suited to a passive approach. The orientation of the building takes advantage of warming by sun in winter and carefully placed shades allow the windows to be shaded during summer. Air flow is enhanced by allowing air to flow through each room and out a tall atrium during the day, and allows for refreshing and pre-cooling of air overnight.
In the double height spaces and atrium behind the offices temperatures are moderated through natural "wind stack" ventilation where air flows through from the open-able vents in the academic block and teaching block and some outside air and rises up the tall atrium and out through vents at the top of the atrium. Ventilation systems in the atrium are controlled by an automated building control system. This system doubles as a smoke extraction system in case of fire.
An integrated approach was taken to the structure and building services in the teaching block. Internal rooms and corridors mean that mechanical ventilation and limited cooling are needed in addition to opening windows. Increasing use of computer equipment means that a cool atmosphere is essential.
An under-floor air supply stratifies heat and pollution to above head height and is considerably more efficient than conventional overhead systems. Another first for New Zealand was additional cooling using groundwater from an artesian well pumped into water coils in the air handling unit.
The real success of this project is not only the introduction of a new concept to modern New Zealand building design, but its contribution to reducing capital and running costs of the building. After nearly a year of operation there is an observably lower energy cost for this building compared to others on campus.
Modified: 22-Nov-1999