Can PassivHaus enable Zero-Carbon?

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Comparison of domestic heat loss

Working closely with Kier Living, the contractor for Torpoint, South Bristol, gcp provided comparative analysis of the Zero Carbon Hub 2016 Fabric Energy Efficiency (FEE) Standard and PassivHaus. This showed that PassivHaus standard achieves approximately 37% greater reduction in Carbon Emissions over the Zero Carbon Hub recommended FEE. This improved baseline indicates that PassivHaus can achieve the 2016 Zero Carbon Target whilst avoiding ‘Allowable Solutions’ costs.

Allowable Solutions offset the shortfall in Carbon Reduction between as-built performance and full Zero-Carbon. These costs could come as a levy or contribution to off-site renewables or other Carbon Reduction measures.

The cost difference between Zero Carbon Hub FEE and PassivHaus is modest and reducing as more contractors and suppliers become confident in delivering higher performance construction.

For more information or a presentation on PassivHaus and Zero Carbon contact Colin Powell.

Continuing Housing Success

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Torpoint Housing scheme for Knightstone, nearing completion.

gcp have been reappointed to the Knightstone Housing Framework and have, for the first time, secured a position on the Devon and Cornwall Housing Framework. gcp are currently supporting Halsall Construction on a new housing project for DCH in Four Lanes, Cornwall. Working with Kier Living and South Western Housing Society, gcp are now developing proposals for 28 new homes in Cotford St Luke, Taunton.

We have also submitted planning for a Rural Exception site to provide 6 affordable homes for local families in Othery Somerset, for South Western Housing Society. Working with Stonewater Housing (formally Raglan) and EG Carter Construction, our 20 unit infill development within the Glastonbury Town Centre Conservation Area is now being handed over and first tenants are moving in to their new homes with fantastic views of the Tor.

If you would like to learn more about our housing design services, please contact Colin Powell.

 

More accolades for Junction 3!

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Even more accolades for Junction 3

The RICS has recognised the project with its SW Regional Award for 2015.

Junction 3 also hosts a Civic Society Environmental Award plaque. The Society said:

'The unusual and striking design, with its light and airy interiors, uses some innovatory building techniques and scores highly on sustainability.'

Thermal Bridging Calculation Qualified

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Thermal Bridging Calculation

Thermal Bridging Calculation

gcp are pleased to announce the addition of thermal bridging calculations to our services, available through gcp Consulting.

Part L of the Building Regulations now requires the submission of Thermal Bridging Calculations.

The Part L1A SAP calculation uses conservative default values for thermal bridging. Replacing these with calculated values assists in demonstrating Part L compliance through improved performance without needing to upgrade the specification of other elements of the building.

Please contact Jon Briscoe if you would like to know more about thermal bridging calculation services.

CDM 2015 - Principal Designer

CHAS Logo

CHAS Logo

Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015 have removed the role of CDM Coordinator and replaced this with a new role of ‘Principal Designer’. This places a duty on the client to appoint a Principal Designer to plan, manage, monitor and coordinate Health & Safety. 

gcp offer Principal Designer services through gcp Consulting as an extension of our existing CHAS Accredited Health and Safety Systems. gcp Director Colin Powell has completed preparatory IOSH training and other members of our team will be completing Principal Designer training as it becomes available.

Feasibility Study Funding Secured for PV Installation

Working with Southmead Development Trust (SDT) gcp have helped secure feasibility study funding from the Urban Community Energy Fund administered by the Centre for Sustainable Energy in partnership with Pure Leapfrog. The study will investigate the technical constraints and the potential wider community benefits that could be derived from the installation of a large PV array (about 500m2) on the roof of the Greenway Centre, their main building. If you know the SDT you can help by completing a short questionnaire.
 
The CSE / Pure Leapfrog funding is available for a wide range of community organisations wanting to generate their own electricity and thereby save on the cost of energy bills in the future. gcp can help write funding applications to secure 100% grants to cover the cost of the initial feasibility study. Please call and speak to Jonathan Platt.

A Quality Announcement

gcp are pleased to announce our recent accreditation to Environmental Standard ISO14001:2004.
 
We were one of the first Architectural Practices in the South West to gain ISO9001 accreditation and have been committed to following these Quality Standards since 1997.
 
In 2015, we have an aspiration to further improve our working impact on the environment and will be rolling out a number of staff initiatives throughout the summer.

Bristol Tower Blocks Update

gcp are working with Mears Construction on the third of their major tower block over cladding projects, two prominent tower blocks in Shirehampton. The blocks, clearly viable from the M4 Avonmouth bridge will be over clad with insulation to help reduce energy bills for the tenants using the governments Eco Obligations funding programme.
 
gcp are working for Mears who have been appointed to the Bristol City Council Tower Block Over Cladding Framework. Bristol has over 50 high, medium and low rise tower blocks.

#thecitygreen

RIBA stall for solar powered wind turbines at Bristol Harbour Festival

RIBA stall for solar powered wind turbines at Bristol Harbour Festival

Did you get a chance to visit RIBA's fab stall at the Bristol Harbour Festival? gcp had a blast showing everyone how to make solar powered wind turbines. Check out the video on our twitter feed - can you guess how they work?

Special mention must go to Hobs and their world record setting colouring book - we even managed to find time between turbine-making to colour up some buildings in the old fashioned way !

Picture: Catherine Gandon, RIBA South West

Aztec West Fitout

gcp has been appointed to refurbish 155 Aztec West for occupation by industry leading consulting engineers.

The project is designed to provide a flexible modern working environment (15,500 sq ft / 1435 m2) representing best practice in office space refurbishment.  The building is expected to achieve BREEAM Very Good with an EPC rating of B.

Planning approval has been secured for a complete face lift including new glazing, extended reception lobby and boardroom over at first floor.

Occupation is expected in October 2016.

Bristol Water Head Office Now Complete

It was March 2012 when gcp was invited to prepare a feasibility for the refurbishment and extension of Bristol Water's HQ at Bedminster Down.  Bristol Water had decided to rationalise their building stock by disposing of their Bedminster Down Depot site and relocating approximately 150 network staff to head office. With staff in-situ, the iconic 1963 structure was initially over-clad and re-roofed before a two storey wing was added, supported on tapering columns over the rear car park.  This enabled a progressive decanting process so that the entire building could be re-serviced and re-furbished without recourse to temporary accommodation.
 
The new facility benefits from a new atrium café, a new computer suite and reception area as well as open plan office accommodation with a wide variety of workplace settings.  The construction works were carried out by Thomas Vale Construction (now part of Bouygues UK) completing the final phase in June 2015.
 
gcp were architect for Bristol Water through the design phases of the project, and architect for the contractor during construction.

"This has been a very complicated project from a logistical and technical design point of view and Bristol Water's technical team has worked closely with the project delivery team to deliver a fantastic building with the minimum of disruption" - Jeremy Pilling, Director of gcp Chartered Architects.

Image credit: Story Photography

gcp Bristol 2015 Update

Bristol's Big Green Week 2015

gcp are hosting a series of events at Trinity Arts Centre on Thursday 18th June. "PassivHaus Thursday" is free to attend and will include two talks, an exhibition and design surgeries.

To celebrate Bristol 2015 European Green Capital and Bristol BIG Green Week gcp Chartered Architects have teamed up with European partners from Austria and the UK to showcase the very latest thinking on PassivHaus, the world leading ultra-low energy design standard.

PassivHaus Thursday builds on a similar event gcp ran last year. All bookings can be made by going to gcp’s website.

Read more at the Passivhaus Trust.

Major Housing Success in North Bristol

Working with United Communities (housing association), in partnership with HAB, (Kevin McCloud's development company), gcp has been successful in winning the contract to redevelop the former Dunmail school site in Southmead.

This success builds on our strength in providing design services across the whole housing sector, from private developers to housing associations and brings together two of the region's market leading housing providers.

This scheme, in the year of Bristol 2015 (European Green Capital), will develop over 150 new homes to help tackle the housing crisis in this part of Bristol. The planning application is expected to be submitted in March 2016.

The scheme was announced to coincide with Bristol Mayor George Ferguson's State of the City address on November 10th 2015 in Great Hall, University of Bristol. The address included praise for Filwood Green Business Park, a scheme delivered by gcp with Midas Construction.

The Dunmail scheme will feature affordable homes built to the equivalent of Passivhaus energy efficiency standards and all homes will meet the old level four of the Code for Sustainable Homes.

gcp were the first architects in the West of England region to be qualified as certified PassivHaus Designer by the European PassivHaus Institute.

 

ISO 14001 at first time of asking

Working with BM Trada, gcp Chartered Architects have achieved ISO 14001 Environmental Accreditation at first time of asking. This reinforces gcp's strong environmental credentials that include PassivHaus design services and our commitment to using the best business management tools for the business.

gcp were also the first architects in the South West of England to gain accreditation to BS5750 (Quality Assurance standard), now ISO 9001 in 1994.

J3 wins RICS SW Regeneration Award

At gcp we are delighted to have been recognised by the RICS for our work at J3, particularly given the extremely high calibre field of entries this year.

"The RICS Awards, South West, showcase and celebrate the most inspirational buildings and structures in the region, not to mention the talent behind them that develop, regenerate and conserve the environment in which we live and work." Lynn Robinson, RICS Regional Director South & West. 

For more information click here.

Feasibility Study Funding Secured for PV Installation

Working with Southmead Development Trust gcp have helped secure feasibility study funding from the Urban Community Energy Fund administered by the Centre for Sustainable Energy in partnership with Pure Leadfrog. The study will investigate the technical constraints and the potential wider community benefits that could be derived from the installation of a large PV array (about 500m2) on the roof of their existing building.

If the study proves the project is viable with demonstrable community benefits then further capital funding could be available for the installation.