be0898 2014/15 smith

BE0898: Advanced Measurement and Technology

Building design and performance critique: The potential for refurbishment of Ellison Building

(Figure 1. Source: Geography. Image by Curtis)

Module Tutor(s): Jess Tindall & David Morton

Student Number: 10003980

Word Count: 3,050

Submission Date: 10th February 2015

BE0898: Advanced Measurement and Technology Student Number: 10003980

1

Contents

1.0 - Aim .................................................................................................................................................. 2

2.0 - Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 2

3.0 - Improving Ellison Building ............................................................................................................... 2

3.1 – External Windows ........................................................................................................................ 3

3.2 – Cladding ........................................................................................................................................ 4

3.3 – Thermal Mass ............................................................................................................................... 5

3.4 – Heating and Cooling System ......................................................................................................... 6

3.5 – Renewable Technologies .............................................................................................................. 7

3.6 – Lighting ......................................................................................................................................... 8

4.0 - Summary ......................................................................................................................................... 8

References .............................................................................................................................................. 9


2

1.0 - Aim

The aim of this report is to critically analysis the design and the technologies currently employed in

Ellison Building and to explore the potential ways to improve the environmental performance and

practicality of using the building.

2.0 - Introduction

Ellison Building was first opened by Anthony Crosland in October 1966, around the time that three

local colleges amalgamated into Newcastle Polytechnic, the predecessor to what is now

Northumbria University which changed as part of the UK-wide switch to universities in 1992 (Allen,

2005).

Due to the age of Ellison Building, the aesthetics of the façade are very dated and the majority of

technologies it contains appear to be inefficient, which in a world where the reduction in energy

used and the carbon emissions are key to everyone’s agenda can reflect badly on the occupier.

These goals are clearly demonstrated in targets outlined by Government, which the Climate Change

Act 2008 is viewed as being one of the leading standards. The Act dictates that there is an 80%

reduction in the CO2 levels recorded in 1990 by 2050. Due to the high carbon emissions from

buildings, the Government has introduced a Zero Carbon Buildings policy to strive towards this goal

(Zero Carbon Hub, No Date). Approved Document L2B of the 2010 Building Regulations provides the

basis on which the conservation of fuel and energy of existing buildings is determined (HM

Government, 2010).

By improving upon these issues, the image of the University as being a modern facility of education

could be improved, as well as the overall ranking with regards to sustainability when compared to

other universities. All UK universities are ranked in The Green League which is compiled by People

and Planet, a large student organisation which aims to make universities accountable for

maintaining their environmental responsibilities (Top Universities, 2014). In the 2013 rankings

published by The Guardian, Northumbria University achieved a rank of joint 85th in the UK, an

improvement of sixteen places from the 2012 survey.

3.0 - Improving Ellison Building

There are many different approaches that this report will discuss to increase the efficiency and also

the aesthetics of Ellison Building, although there is very little literature detailing the existing

technology employed within the building.

Refurbishment of the building has been chosen to be research due to the resulting lower Embodied

Carbon in the building, as some of the original materials will be retained rather than if a full

demolition of the building was considered. It would also be nearly impossible to programme the

works in a manner to prevent disruption to the occupants if a full demolition was considered.

Although with this being said, major refurbishment works to a building may take longer and cost

more than full rebuilding the structure from scratch.


3

3.1 – External Windows

Currently Ellison Building’s external windows are single glazed (Figure 2). Single glazed windows

installed in the period of Ellison’s construction typically have a U-Value of 5.0 W/m2K, whereas the

current Building Regulations require a value of 2.0 W/m2K (D + B Facades, 2010).

“A U value is a measure of heat loss. It is expressed in W/m2k,

and shows the amount of heat lost in watts (W) per square metre of

material (for example wall, roof, floor etc.) when the temperature (k)

outside is at least one degree lower.” (Kingspan, No Date).

This means that the windows have a much higher thermal loss as

opposed to those installed to modern buildings to meet regulations.

There are many different ways to improve the U-Value of the windows, with the most popular

methods being either replacement with new units (either double or triple glazed), or the installation

of secondary glazing to the existing units.

The most common of the methods is new double glazed units, consisting

of two panes of glass separated by a gap which when filled with gas or

has the air removed, forms a sealed cavity. The cavity reduces the rate

of heat loss through the window, improving the properties energy

efficiency (EST, 2014a).

Triple glazing works in much the same way as double glazed units but employ a third pane of glass,

creating an additional cavity which provides an even better U-Value, typically of 1.0W/m2K or better

(Broxwood, 2015). On the other hand, triple glazed units do have their disadvantages; they are more

expensive to manufacture, are much heavier resulting in increased structural requirements of the

building and have roughly 50% more embodied energy than double glazing (Brinkley, 2011).

Secondary glazing is considered by many to be a financially cheaper option than to fully replace the

units, consisting of a single pane of glass being retrofitted behind the existing window to provide

additional heat retention and noise reduction. It also may be the only option if a building is Listed or

in a conservation area, where the retention of the buildings original features may be critical (CSE,

2013).

Due to the orientation of Ellison Building its solar gain is at its peak during the afternoon, when the

rooms are already at their hottest. Where the windows are being installed into a standard building

or as part of a refurbishment project, then double glazed units with good U-values can be enhanced

with other benefits such as noise-reduction and solar control for less than the cost of a standard

triple glazed unit (Broxwood, 2015).

Also if carbon emissions are taken into account, on average an extra 26kg of CO2/m2 is used to

manufacture triple glazed units than double, resulting in a climate payback period of 20 years. As

glazing units currently have a life expectancy of around 20 years, the use of triple glazing on would

(Figure 3. Source: CSE. Image by Unknown)

(Figure 2. Source: N/A. Image by Smith)

http://www.cse.org.uk/img/630/630/3/downloads/image/1369746239_SECTION-double-glazing-small.jpg


4

produce more Carbon than it would save through its life if used on renovation projects, where the

façade will generally have less energy efficiency than that of a new project (WAM, 2014).

With all of the above considered, although secondary glazing may provide the cheapest solution for

improving the energy performance of the windows, when considering other elements of the building

to modify, such as the façade, replacement seems like a better option. Although the benefits of

triple glazing are many, the use of double glazing in the refurbishment of Ellison Building would

providing close to the benefits of triple glazing, whilst being more financially viable and without as

high climate payback which would unlikely be achieved over the life of the building if triple glazing

were used.

3.2 – Cladding

Whilst undertaking the upgrade the windows of Ellison Building, efforts could be made removing and

replacing the existing cladding system, which would improve the aesthetics and environmental

performance.

When compared to the neighbouring buildings such as Sports Central,

Ellison Building’s concrete infill panel cladding (Figure 4) appears outdated

and in a state of disrepair. Sports Central, although being a regular shaped

building has incorporated irregular bronze

anodised aluminium cladding (Figure 5) to

improve what would be a very boring building

into a modern education and sporting facility

(SRM, 2011).

If 25% or more of an external wall is to be re-rendered, re-clad, re-

plastered, the regulations would normally apply and the thermal

insulation would normally have to be improved (DCLPG, 2015).

One way of improving the façade would be to over-clad the existing with a rain-screen cladding

system. Over-cladding allows results in the finished exterior being more aesthetically pleasing with

increased thermal efficiency through additional insulation and is easier to maintain than older

cladding systems (Marley Eternit, 2012). It also allows the internal areas to be remain weather tight

throughout the works, minimises the disruption to occupants and negates that additional cost of

removing and disposing of the redundant cladding material (Euro Clad, 2015).

Although over-cladding may seem initially seem like the best option, special attention needs to be

made in considering and assessing whether the existing structural frame of the building can take the

additional mass of the cladding, as well as if the cladding can be securely fixed back to the frame.

If this is not possible, then removing the existing concrete infill panels and replacing them with a

more modern system with better insulation could be the preferred solution, as the mass of the

building could be keep relatively similar to the original as well as the direct replacement preventing

the building footprint from increasing, which could be an issue with planning.

(Figure 5. Source: SRM. Image by SRM)



5

Another option which could be used in combination with the replacement of the windows is to

change the façade to a fully glazed double skin. The main issue with this is to strike a balance

between the additional natural lighting this system provides reducing the need for artificial lighting,

and unwanted solar gain which requires additional ventilation and cooling to negate.

As the planning restrictions and current structural condition of the frame are unclear, it would be

prudent to assume there would be no issues with over-cladding, therefore although more costly and

producing more waste, replacement of the cladding system would be the preferred choice for this

project.

3.3 – Thermal Mass

Thermal Mass is used to describe a materials ability to store heat. But to be useful in the built

environment, they must also be able to absorb and release the stored heat in line with the

environment’s natural heating and cooling cycle (The Concrete Centre, 2015).

Thermal Mass acts as a ‘thermal battery’. During summer months it absorbs heat during the day and

releases it back into the atmosphere at night through the use of ventilation, keeping the building at a

comfortable temperature. In winter the same thermal mass can store the heat from the sun or

heaters to release it at night, helping keep the building warm. Some construction materials, such as

concrete and brick, have high embodied energy when used in the quantities required to have a

significant effect on the thermal mass, which needs to be taken into consideration as the savings in

heating and cooling energy may not outweigh the embodied energy content through the lifecycle of

the building (Reardon et al, 2013).

Figure 6 shows a table of the relative Thermal Masses of a range of materials which could be used in

construction (Baggs, 2013).

Material Density (Kg/m3) Specific heat (kJ/kg.K) Thermal mass (kJ/m3.K)

Water 1000 4.186 4186

Concrete 2240 0.920 2060

AAC 500 1.100 550

Brick 1700 0.920 1360

Stone (Sandstone) 2000 0.900 1800

FC Sheet (compressed) 1700 0.900 1530

Earth Wall (Adobe) 1550 0.837 1300

Rammed Earth 2000 0.837 1673

Compressed Earth Blocks 2080 0.837 1740

(Figure 6. Source:EcoSpecifier. Table by Baggs)


6

By increasing the Thermal Mass of Ellison Building and drawing upon its benefit of regulating the

temperature of the building can reduce the need for mechanical heating and cooling, reducing

energy costs.

Thermal Mass may be increased by the use of additional dense materials, or by exposing more the

these materials already installed to the building, such as by removing suspended ceilings to reveal

the full height of the partitions constructed of blockwork. Although by doing this, the Mechanical

and Electrical services running inside the ceiling void will become exposed and require trunking or

lagging to prevent it being damaged. Also the acoustic performance of the rooms may be affected

due to the larger height of the rooms, but this could be remedied by the installation of acoustic

panels to the wall to reduce reverberation and echoing, improving the quality of speech to an

acceptable standard for teaching (ASI, 2014).

3.4 – Heating and Cooling System

Although the boilers and heating system within

Ellison Building have been replaced in the past

decade, the vast majority of radiators are situated

against the external walls; therefore by making the

choice to replace the cladding means the heating

system would also need revising.

An alternative heating source which could be implemented is Combined Heating and Power (CHP).

CHP generates electricity whilst also capturing usable heat that is produced in this process, rather

than allowing this heat to be wasted which occurs in conventional heating systems. Packaged and

mini-CHP systems are specifically designed to meet the heat

requirements of large and medium-sized standalone buildings,

making this an ideal solution for Ellison Building (ADE, 2015).

Figure 7 shows the resultant waste from a CHP system against the

equivalent values of conventional heating and electric methods. It is

clear that the overall waste when employing CHP is far less.

Figure 8 shows an extract of the Display Energy Certificate with the

Ellison Building, showing that the building has mixed-mode

ventilation.

Mixed-mode ventilation consists of a combination of natural

ventilation (from operable windows) and mechanical air conditioning

systems. A well designed and properly operated mixed-mode system

can negate the use of mechanical cooling and ventilation throughout a vast portion of the year, with

resultant reductions in pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and operating costs; reducing a

commercial building’s energy use by 15 to 80% depending on climate, cooling loads, and building

type (CBE, 2013).

Mixed-mode also gives the occupants of the building a greater degrees of personal control of their

environment to fine-tune the rooms to match their own preferences (Brager et al, 2007). Although


(Figure 7. Source: Gov.uk. Image by DECC)

http://www.chpa.co.uk/medialibrary/2013/08/30/07d0a571/Sankey Diagram.png


7

with this being said, in a university where the rooms will be used by large numbers of occupants at

any one time, the preferences of the individuals is harder to manage and with health and safety

requirements that windows that are large enough to allow people to fall out should be restricted to

openings of 100 mm or less, the openings may not provide sufficient ventilation to fully prevent

mechanical methods being used (HSE, No Date).

3.5 – Renewable Technologies

Figure 8 also shows that Ellison Building currently does not use energy from any renewable sources.

Renewable energy refers to energy that is naturally occurring in the environment and does not

release any net greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. In 2013 14.9% of electricity was produced in

the UK was from renewable sources (DECC, 2013).

Figure 9 shows the distribution of the types of renewable fuels used in 2013. Although the vast

majority comes from Bioenergy, harnessing this for use in Ellison Building in other manners than a

Biomass Boiler is difficult. Also there is very limited scope for using Hydro and Tidal sources, due to

the location of the building.

By far the most common forms

of renewable energy used on

refurbishment projects is

Photovoltaic Panels to produce

electricity, or Solar Panels used

to heat water as these

technologies can be retrofitted

onto the existing building and

can provide emission free power

for the university.

An example of solar energy being harnessed by a university can be seen at American University,

where the installation of Photovoltaic panels will supply 123 million kilowatt hours of emissions-free

electricity per year, approximately half of the yearly usage of the facility (Basu, 2014). As Ellison

Buildings roof is a flat construction, this gives the maximum availability to position the panels in a

south facing orientation, providing the most efficiency in collecting energy.

Although in the UK, the unreliable climate means that solar

energy cannot be relied upon as much to provide such a

vast amount of the universities power, due to cloud cover

reducing effectiveness (Ryan, 2009).

This results in other technologies being required to

contribute to the overall renewable energy generation by

the university. Wind power is an example of this which is

visible, albeit in small quantities around Ellison Building,

shown in the top right of Figure 9. As there are examples of

wind energy in the close vicinity, this means that it viable solution for implementation of renewable

energy to this building.

(Figure 9. Source: Gov.uk. Image by DECC)



8

3.6 – Lighting

Lighting is for the largest proportion of energy consumption in buildings as

shown in Figure 11. Lights are often left on even when there is no one

using the space or even when there is sufficient natural lighting provided

by windows. Lighting is also generally limited to either on or off and at the

discretion of the occupants (Dwyer, 2015).

Replacing the existing light bulbs and fittings in Ellison Building with energy

efficient LEDs, although initially expensive, can produce high savings in

energy consumption in the long term (EST, 2014b).

Also by combining low energy fittings with Passive Infrared Sensors (PIRs), the lighting can be

regulated and switched off automatically in rooms not being used. PIRs are electronic devices which

detect motion of an infrared emitting source, triggering a response from the connected system, such

as lighting or security alarms (ScienceDaily, 2015).

4.0 - Summary

The technologies discussed above, when utilised in combination with each other, would provide an

aesthetically pleasing building for use by the universities staff and students, as well as being more

sustainable and heading towards a zero carbon rating, improving the rating within The Green

League.

Refurbishment was chosen in lieu of rebuilding Ellison Building to reduce the potential disruption

caused to the occupants. This could be carried out in a phased refurbishment, allowing teaching

areas to remain within the building as the works proceed, rather than have the full building out of

commission for the duration of the demolition and rebuild works.

Also the construction programme for just carrying out key areas of refurbishment will be

significantly lower, allowing full possession of the building back to the occupants much sooner than

if a rebuild was undertaken. If a competent contractor was to be employed to carry out the works,

with correct management of subcontractors and internal trades, the works could potentially be

condensed into a programme which would suit the holiday periods of the university, further

reducing disruption.

Although the cost of the technologies discussed would be similar if installed as part of a

refurbishment or a rebuild, the associated costs with the rebuild such as relocating the occupants

and the overall cost of the additional building elements would be far in excess of that of a

refurbishment.

Finally, by not resulting to demolishing the full building, the embodied energy stored within the

retained elements and components is not wasted due to replacement materials not being required.

(Figure 11. Source: CIBSE. Image by Dwyer)


9

References

Acoustical Surfaces Inc. (2014). Acoustical Wall Panels. Available:

http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/soundproofing_tips/html/Wall_Panels.htm. (Last accessed: 8th

February 2015).

Allen, J (2005) Rutherford's Ladder: The Making of Northumbria University, 1871-1996. Newcastle:

Northumbria University Press.

The Association of Decentralised Energy. (2015). What is CHP?. Available:

http://www.theade.co.uk/what-is-chp_15.html. (Last accessed: 8th February 2015).

Baggs, D. (2013) Thermal Mass & its Role in Building Comfort and Energy Efficiency. Available:

http://www.ecospecifier.com.au/knowledge-green/technical-guides/technical-guide-4-thermal-

mass-its-role-in-building-comfort-and-energy-efficiency.aspx. (Last accessed: 8th February 2015).

Basu, R. (2014) American University to Source 50% Power from Solar. Available:

http://www.american.edu/finance/sustainability/AU-To-Source-50-Percent-Power-From-Solar.cfm.

(Last accessed: 8th February 2015).

Brager, G., Borgeson, S. and Soo Lee, Y. (2007) Summary Report: Control Strategies for Mixed-Mode

Buildings. Available: http://www.academia.edu/4519245/Mixed-Mode_Ventilation_Controls. (Last

accessed: 8th February 2015).

Brinkley, M. (2011) Does Triple Glazing Make Sense? Available:

http://www.homebuilding.co.uk/advice/key-choices/green/triple-glazing. (Last accessed: 8th

February 2015).

Broxwood Bespoke Timber Windows & Doors. (2015) Double Glazing v Triple Glazing. Available:

http://broxwood.com/technical/double-glazing-v-triple-glazing/. (Last accessed: 8th February 2015).

Centre for Sustainable Energy. (No Date) Double Glazing Section. Online Image. Available:

http://www.cse.org.uk/img/630/630/3/downloads/image/1369746239_SECTION-double-glazing-

small.jpg. (Last accessed: 8th February 2015).

Centre for Sustainable Energy. (2013) Secondary Glazing. Available:

http://www.cse.org.uk/advice/advice-and-support/secondary-glazing. (Last accessed: 2nd February

2015).

Centre for the Built Environment, University of California. (2013) About Mixed-Mode. Available:

http://www.cbe.berkeley.edu/mixedmode/aboutmm.html. (Last accessed: 9th February 2015).

Curtis, A. (2010) Ellison Building, University of Northumbria. Online Image. Available:

http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1681967. (Last accessed: 16th December 2014).

D + B Facades. (2010) The importance of u values & reducing energy consumption. Available:

http://www.dbfacades.com/db_downloads/U_Values.pdf. (Last accessed: 16th December 2014).


10

Department for Communities and Local Government. (2015) External Walls: Building Regulations.

Available: http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/commonprojects/externalwalls/. (Last

accessed: 8th February 2015).

Department of Energy and Climate Change. (2013) Renewable sources of energy: chapter 6, Digest of

United Kingdom energy statistics. Available:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/337684/chapter_

6.pdf. (Last accessed: 7th February 2015).

Dwyer, T. (2015) Lighting control technologies and strategies to cut energy consumption . Available:

http://www.cibsejournal.com/cpd/2010-11/. (Last accessed: 9th February 2015).

Energy Saving Trust . (2014a) Energy-efficient windows. Available:

http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/domestic/content/energy-efficient-windows. (Last accessed:

7th February 2015).

Energy Saving Trust. (2014b) Energy efficient lighting. Available:

http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/domestic/content/energy-efficient-lightingEnEuro Clad

Limited. (2015) Wall Systems: Refurbishment. Available: http://www.euroclad.com/wall-

systems/refurbishment.aspx. (Last accessed: 8th February 2015).

Health and Safety Executive. (No Date) Risk of falling from windows. Available:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/healthservices/falls-windows.htm. (Last accessed: 8th February 2015).

HM Government. (2010) The Building Regulations 2010: Approved Document L2B: Conservation of

fuel and power in existing buildings other than dwellings. Available:

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/br/BR_PDF_AD_L2B_2011.pdf. (Last accessed: 16th

December 2014).

Kingspan Insulation Limited. (No Date) What is a U-value? Available:

http://www.kingspandirect.com/category-s/164.htm. (Last accessed: 2nd February 2015).

Marley Eternit Limited. (2012) External wall insulation solutions with rain screen cladding. Available:

http://www.marleyeternit.co.uk/~/media/Files/Product%20Files/Facades/Brochures/External%20W

all%20Insulation%20Solutions.PDF. (Last accessed: 7th February 2015).

Reardon, C., McGee, C. and Milne, G. (2013) Thermal Mass. Available:

http://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/thermal-mass. (Last accessed: 7th February 2015).

Ryan, V. (2009) Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Power. Available:

http://www.technologystudent.com/energy1/solar7.htm. (Last accessed: 7th February 2015).

ScienceDaily. (2015) Passive infrared sensors. Available:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/p/passive_infrared_sensors.htm. (Last accessed: 9th February

2015).

Sedghi, A. (2013) The Green league 2013: which universities are top of the class?. Available:

http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2013/jun/10/green-league-university-list#data. (Last

accessed: 16th Dec 2014).


11

Sir Robert McAlpine. (2011) Sport Central. Available: http://www.sir-robert-

mcalpine.com/projects/?id=32268. (Last accessed: 7th February 2015).

Sir Robert McAlpine. (2011) SPORT CENTRAL. Online Image. Available: http://www.sir-robert-

mcalpine.com/projects/?id=32268. (Last accessed: 7th February 2015).

Smith, S. (2014) Various Images. Image. Available: N/A. (Last accessed: 10th February 2015).

The Concrete Centre. (2015) Thermal Mass. Available:

http://www.concretecentre.com/technical_information/performance_and_benefits/thermal_mass.

aspx. (Last accessed: 9th February 2015).

Top Universities. (2014) Green Universities. Available: http://www.topuniversities.com/student-

info/choosing-university/green-universities. (Last accessed: 16th December 2014).

Windows Active Magazine. (2014) Double or triple glazing – a matter of choice. Available:

http://www.windowsactive.com/double-triple-glazing-matter-choice/. (Last accessed: 7th February

2015).

Zero Carbon Hub. (No Date) Zero Carbon Policy. Available: http://www.zerocarbonhub.org/zero-

carbon-policy/zero-carbon-policy. (Last accessed: 16th Dec 2014).

be0898 2014/15 smith

Documents

introduction ellison

age of ellison building

technology building

technology student number

advanced measurement

majority of technologies

renewable technologies

performance critique