Architects and environmental engineers: LEDA Ltd., Leeds.
Structural Engineers: David Tasker; Alan Conisbee & Assoc.
Contractor: Framework CDM Ltd.
Completed: September 2003

HEADLINES: Demonstration Environment Centre uses waste heat from National Grid mains power cable serving Leeds. Pre- Engineered timber panel construction allows building completion within 21 weeks. Winner of the Leeds Award for Architecture 2004 for Sustainability and Landscape and Civic Trust Commendation award 2006.

BTCV's approach at the Skelton Grange Environment Centre is to use demonstration projects and experiential learning to engage young people's interest in the surrounding natural environment. Therefore the new building had to be designed and built to showcase sustainable solutions.

LEDA worked with the Centre's project team to create a design that has a central core of accommodation including a teaching space, workshop, exhibition and computer room as well as kitchen and toilet facilities. A south-facing conservatory space acts as a sheltering layer or buffer zone, and passive solar collector.

The key design features are:

Photovoltaic cells installed on the south-facing roof generate electricity that powers a 13kW heat-pump, which extracts heat from a 275kW electricity mains cable buried in the ground, to be distributed as underfloor heating.
A 2.5kW wind turbine that provides additional electricity to power the heat-pump and other appliances such as computers. Both the turbine and photovoltaic array are connected into a supply panel via inverter units, which are approved for direct grid connection.
Evacuated tube solar panels contribute to the renewable energy input to the building.
Rainwater is collected to supply low-flush (3.5 litre) toilets.
Whole sewage disposal using a leach field for drainage – which also means that one area of land is kept moist and provides improved heat transfer.
“IsoGrass” made from grass cuttings used as insulation under the floor and in the roof.
Phenolic foam insulation in the walls.
Use of the conservatories as glazed buffer zones, which contain to moderate the indoor environment and provide additional teaching and exhibition space.
Windows contain argon-filled double-glazing with a soft low-emissivity coating.
The pre-engineered timber-framed building can be easily recycled at the end of its life.
Underfloor heating provided by ground source heat pump using heat store also utilising solar panels
Excellent daylight quality and levels to avoid use of artificial lighting

LEDA has been carrying out monitoring of the buildings performance with the client and recently presented the analysis of the results at a special presentation event with a keynote speech by Hilary Benn MP.

Links: www.skeltongrange.org.uk