The Entopia Building

The building fabric was comprehensively upgraded to reduce heat loss and achieve the EnerPHit airtightness targets. We carefully designed the wall build-up to balance the benefits of increasing the thermal performance, the use of bio-based materials, and the moisture risks inherent in building against a solid masonry wall. The existing windows were replaced with high-performance triple-glazed units and thermal bridging was carefully managed, particularly where the internal structure cuts through the internal insulation line. These measures deliver 75% lower heating demand compared to an average office building, and airtightness at more than five times that required by building regulations.

Our approach to building services was to tread lightly, minimising the amount of equipment required, and reuse existing items where possible. A single central unit provides mechanical ventilation with heat recovery for the whole building. The ventilation unit has an integral heat pump, which provides efficient background heating. 

The summer comfort strategy combines natural ventilation with tempering of the incoming air. Secure night purge ventilation is also provided mechanically by a system which, coupled with the exposed thermal mass, limits the active cooling requirements and helps control temperatures when the building is occupied.

As part of our circular economy strategy, we found ways to reuse original MEP equipment from the building. These included elements of the generator systems, electrical sub-mains, principal drainage stacks, lightning protection, and retention of the existing lifts. The scheme also incorporated reused elements sourced from elsewhere, such as the LED lighting in the main office areas, steel frame for the PV canopy, and raised access flooring.

Acoustic absorption is provided via Class A cellulose spray ceilings and extensive acoustic panelling in meeting rooms, to provide conditions suitable for collaboration, communication and hybrid working. Noise from a busy nearby road is mitigated with robust acoustic glazing, and noise control is provided to ventilation systems to meet the stringent Passivhaus standards for plant noise.