GEZE’s natural ventilation system has been incorporated in to refurbishment works at West Court, Jesus College, Cambridge.

The system is integrated into four areas of the development, including a conference room with the iconic Lantern Tower, lobby and reception area, and uses GEZE’s award-winning Slimchain automatic window drive and is managed by the WS 1000 indoor climate building control.

This is connected to a weather station and together they balance internal conditions such as air quality, temperature and humidity with external elements such as rain and wind speeds to achieve desired requirements.

Experts believe that improving indoor air quality by utilising natural air flow significantly improves cognitive performance – ideal for a building which houses the College’s new Intellectual Forum, a spearheading research organisation that applies critical-thinking to global problems.

GEZE UK provided a full suite of natural ventilation products which include Slimchain window actuators for outward opening vents, DMS 5 open/close controllers, temperature sensors, weather station and WS 1000 touch screen controller.

The Slimchain actuator range is extremely versatile and an ideal choice in creating a climate control package. It has a broad range of applications and meets diverse requirements for varying loads, upstroke lengths, opening widths and the widest range of installation types.

With a maximum upstroke of 800 millimetres, it achieves a large aerodynamic opening width, meaning that it can also be used in natural smoke and heat extraction devices (SHEVs) in line with EN 12101-2.

Its discreet design was ideal for architect Niall McLaughlin’s design which combined organic aesthetics with the exacting demands of functionality.

West Court was a three-phase development which involved the renovation of existing buildings and incorporated part of the historic Wesley House.

McLaughlin has used natural ash to clad the building and this flows through to its interiors which not only provides a natural look but also helps to minimise noise within auditorium areas from the busy road outside.

The windows can be concealed by wooden louvred shutters which are a design feature repeated around the building. These are not only part of the aesthetic, and a possible nod to the building’s historic setting, but have practical uses including adjusting light levels when staging lectures and presentations.

Andy Howland, GEZE UK’s Sales and Marketing Director, said that he was thrilled that GEZE’s natural ventilation and indoor climate control system was incorporated into such a landmark development.

“It is fascinating to think of the innovation and creativity that will be generated by the world’s best minds within West Court in the years to come. We are delighted that GEZE UK was able to contribute to functionality of a building with such fabulous credentials in supporting wellbeing within an esteemed educational establishment.”