Architects: Bond Bryan
Engineers: Arup
Main Contractor: Graham Construction
Facade Contractor: Inasus UK

The new engineering graduate school, built on a former University site on the corner of Broad Lane and Newcastle Street, has been designed as the centrepiece of the university’s post-graduate research & teaching activities.

Inasus UK were responsible for the natural ventilation system. The strategy involved louvred vents in the facades and atrium to provide both day-to-day and emergency smoke ventilation. Following an in-depth assessment Inasus chose Fieger equipment.

In total, the ventilation system comprises over 200 Fieger units, including 24 no. double-glazed FLW 24 SmoTec units, which are tested in accordance with EN 12101-2.

These, together with 11 no. FLW 24 natural louvred ventilators, were manufactured using toughened outer panes and laminated low-E inner. Saint-Gobain Cool-Lite SKN 165ii solar protection glass was specified to reduce summer heat gains.

A further 115 no. FLW 24 units were supplied with insulated aluminium louvre blades. These were located behind decorative clay “Baguette” panels and in front of sound attenuators.

A key characteristic of the Fieger vents is the energy efficient design, achieved by the class-leading low air
leakage rate, together with low U-values.

The vents were supplied complete with 24 volt DC actuators, to facilitate operation by the building management system and the fire protection control system.