Project title : 8 Sustainable flats, Clovenstone Park, Edinburgh
Client : Dunedin Canmore Housing Association
Design Team : Assist Architects; Pottie Wilson (QS); Wren & Bell (Engineer)
12a Clovenstone Park is the latest phase of work carried out
by Assist for Prospect Community Housing in Clovenstone and was achieved
through the implementation of a Simple Sustainable Design Strategy.
To achieve an environmentally sustainable building our
priority was to exploit enhanced thermal mass. Using a traditional build
approach, concrete block walls and floors were designed to absorb heat and
reduce heat loss. The orientation of the site and its position at the end of an
existing terrace of high-density flats were well suited to exploit passive
solar gain. The flats have been designed with living spaces and large windows
to the south to maximise the solar passive gain with smaller windows to the
north to minimise heat loss. Other elements of the strategy included reducing
energy demands by increasing loft insulation, improving airtightness through robust
detailing and specification, using efficient ventilation fans, optimising
boiler size, efficiency and heating controls, providing adequate daylight which
minimises the need for artificial lighting, and where this is required,
maximising energy efficient lighting.
Finally, an
array of eight, three panelled solar collectors has
been mounted on the standing seam aluminium roof, orientated to maximise solar
gain, which feed each flat with hot water for domestic use.
Recent surveys undertaken by Prospect Community Housing have
confirmed that the combination of window orientation, thermal mass and enhanced
insulation, and the solar panel installation have all contributed to meeting
the client’s objective of combating fuel poverty with reduced heating bills for
the tenants. As part of Prospect’s continual review of improvement to their
existing housing stock, this project may provide a useful model for solar gain
and enhanced insulation upgrades
Completed 2005
Contact: Andy Jack