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Gloucester barracks green nursery a RICS finalist |
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27 May 2011, 12:39 PM
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Youngsters from military families in Gloucester are living the ‘green’ life in a new eco-friendly nursery building which has drawn praise from judges in a prestigious building awards competition. Working with industry partner Debut Services, Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) delivered the nursery at Imjin Barracks as part of new facilities for troops from the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC), one of NATO’s front-line high readiness forces.
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The building was a finalist in the RICS South West Awards 2011, prompting judges to describe it as ‘a sustainable, energy efficient building providing a good standard of accommodation and facilities serving the Barracks and adjoining residential area.’
Shortlisted for an award in the Sustainability category, the building provides a high-quality environment for the children of Service personnel with light airy spaces in a highly energy efficient building. Designed to be different the new nursery at Imjin Barracks in Gloucester meets sustainable aspirations and incorporates many significant sustainable features. The new facilities provide a quality environment for children with light airy spaces in a highly energy efficient building.
Every aspect of the new building’s impact on the environment has been considered from project inception, design, construction and subsequent operation. The building was designed so that low winter sun enters deep into the building, providing high levels of natural daylight and the well insulated building envelope keeps the interior of the building warm in winter and cool in summer.
The majority of the activity rooms are located to the South, providing bright airy spaces for children to play in. South spaces are high for passive solar collection and north spaces low, such as offices, kitchen etc. Air is exhausted naturally through high level windows, with cooler air entering through low level openings. Solar shading is provided to the south elevation in the form of projecting canopies and large roof overhang to significantly reduce solar gain, whilst still transmitting sufficient daylight to reduce the requirement for artificial lighting.
The building exceeds the DREAM target score of Excellent (an equivalent to the BREEAM industry standard) and incorporates numerous sustainable features such as: a wind turbine; sedum roof; solar water heating; rainwater harvesting and zoned lighting.
DIO project manager Steve Jeffries said: “Our top priority is to support our Armed Forces and their families. We are delighted that the RICS judges have recognised the work which went into ensuring that both youngsters and staff enjoy a building which is so eco-friendly. Every aspect of the building’s impact on the environment was considered - from project inception, design, construction and subsequent operation.”
Nursery Managing Director Sarah Steel said: “We are delighted with the light and airy build. High ceilings and large amounts of glass make bright welcoming spaces for the children and the high quality finish lends a really comfortable feel to the nursery. We wish all our buildings were this good.”
The redevelopment of Imjin Barracks is part of The Borona Programme regeneration project, which saw HQ ARRC, together with HQ 1 Signals Brigade and 252 Close Support Signals Squadron move to the Gloucestershire base.
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