Jubilee Library, Brighton

This BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rated public building optimises the thermal properties of concrete and embraces the benefits of a wind-assisted passive ventilation system.

The building has been designed to take advantage of natural energy provided by its south coast setting. The sun's energy is gathered through the vast glass south wall. Heat is stored in concrete walls and a specially constructed concrete floor, being released slowly into surrounding spaces as part of a low energy release ventilation and heating system. Wind towers on the roof use the south coast sea breeze to draw excess heat from the space below.

The central space is constructed of a C40 concrete table, supported by a series of eight tree-like columns with fins that form part of an exposed ceiling soffit. The thermal sink provided by the exposed concrete is a vital part of the building's low-energy passive ventilation system.

In winter, artificially warmed air is circulated through the building, where once again the exposed concrete plays a part in absorbing heat by day, and releasing it by night, ensuring an even temperature. High efficiency heat recovery units capture heat from lighting, PCs and people, recycling it back through the system.

The M&E component of the build was around 16-17% of Jubilee Library's total cost, compared to a conventional heating and cooling system of between 20 and 25%.