The Rylands Building

We took a fabric first approach to significantly reduce energy consumption, using the existing fabric of the building wherever possible. The fabric has remained virtually untouched since the 1930s, with the lack of insulation resulting in very high levels of heat loss. The proposed improvements in thermal performance will significantly reduce the heat lost through the solid façade and improve the occupants’ comfort. The roof will be insulated, and the windows will be high-performance Crittall windows to match the existing 1930s system.

The building will be future-proofed to access the national benefit of the UK’s decarbonising grid, and to support the Manchester Zero-Carbon Action Plan. Improved glazing, internal lining of walls and an insulated roof will reduce energy demand, and electrical systems will be prioritised to make a natural gas connection redundant. Steel framing in the new extension will be standardised to allow dismantling, enabling future adaptation of space and reuse at the end of life.

The operational energy strategy is based on electrification with air source heat pumps for heating and cooling, and a mixed-mode ventilation system, maximising ‘free-running’ periods during the year when heating and cooling are not required. Photovoltaic panels will be installed on the rooftop to produce renewable energy for the Rylands Building.

Despite the challenges in delivering a sensitive historic building refurbishment, the project team have set an example for delivering a replicable and scalable solution to material reuse. 

Our circular economy assessment will result in 95% of all demolition and construction waste from this project being diverted from landfill. Avoided carbon emissions from reuse on-site and off-site equates to approximately 1.5 years of equivalent emissions from a typical new build office building of a similar size.

Among the materials that have been saved are two redundant generators weighing three and four tonnes which will continue their life at the West Coast Railway Museum in Carnforth. The generators were removed in a complex process by cutting open the existing roof and lifting them out with cranes. 

More than 600 LED lights no longer required were recovered and sent for remanufacturing to enable the specification of reused products by the wider industry. This saved 14tCO₂e and 644kg of electronic waste. Some of the remanufactured units have been installed at the London School Art. Recovered bricks from site will be used for opening up works, damage repair and column strengthening works.