Leading building services consulting engineers, Silcock Dawson has been appointed to support the Wyevale Garden Centre expansion programme that will not only see new centres built nationwide, but also the development of a new concept Garden Centre of the Future.

With plans to maximise the energy saving potential of existing and new centres, the latest designs by RGP Architectswill also enable the pattern-of-use to be ascertained and annual consumptions predicted.

Silcock Dawson, working closely with developer Lxb and architects RGP together with operator Wyevale and fit out designers RFK, has produced a strategy for using renewables and reducing Wyevale’s carbon emissions.

A thermal model of the building was developed which enabled the team to evaluate the effect of any modification to the building for effective natural ventilation, extent of tensile fabric overhangs, summer shading, ETFE roof with active interlayers to maximise daylight levels and mitigate solar load in addition to the benefits of passive solar heating.

A ground source heat pump uses geothermal energy to drive the under floor heating and together with limited seasonal cooling.

So far the statistics show a significant carbon reduction in electricity by 30% and a 40% reduction in gas usage when compared to existing garden centres.

“Since we launched our Energy and Sustainable Design group 18 month ago we have seen a phenomenal increase in sustainability, renewable energy and energy consumption consultancy requirements,” said John Silcock, managing director of Silcock Dawson.

“With legislation moving at such a pace, it is particularly important to be involved with projects as early as possible to enable us to provide clients with the best possible, most cost effective solutions.

“Wyevale is a perfect example of what can be achieved with virtual modelling and the right team who believe passionately in sustainable design.”

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