The Elizabeth Fry Building is a 3,000m² academic building incorporating lecture theatres and ancillary teaching spaces designed to accommodate 850-1300 people. The project conforms to the original master plan of the campus and further advances the low energy design of recently commissioned projects at the University and is provided within normal cost limits.
The broad energy approach utilises the Termodeck system of hollowcore concrete slabs in conjunction with a very high standard of insulation, utilising the thermal mass of the structure to absorb heat and provide cooling of the ceiling units overnight by circulating air through them to avoid any use of mechanical cooling systems. The heating plant is limited to two domestic condensing gas fired boilers. Extensive monitoring of the internal environment has been performed by the Building Research Establishment and published in DETR New Practice Final Report 106. Results show that the building is the most energy efficient project ever constructed in Britain. During the hot summer of 1995 temperature peaked at 32°C, the internal temperatures did not exceed 26°C with full occupation. The 'PROBE' post occupancy analysis concluded this was also the most comfortable building analysed.
Awards: RIBA Regional Award 1995,
Civic Trust Award 1997 - Commendation, Probe Award 1999
