Somerset Earth Science Centre
Somerset Science & Earth Centre
NEW LOW CARBON EARTH SCIENCE CENTRE
PROJECT: The construction of a new sustainable low carbon study centre at Moons Hill Quarry, Stoke St Michael.
CLIENT: East Mendip Study Centre
ARCHITECT: Mark Kingsley Architects
STRUCUTRAL ENGINEER: Rambol Whitbybird Engineers
CONTRACT VALUE: £499,805.00
DURATION OF PROJECT: 30 weeks
COMPLETED: October 2008
PROCUREMENT METHOD: Design & Build
Description of Works
The project comprised construction of a new single storey, low carbon study centre on the edge of an existing lake within Moonhill Quarry, Stoke St Michael. The centre included teaching/seminar rooms, changing rooms, WCs, Disabled WC, a kitchen and offices. An external sheltered teaching area was constructed at the front of the building which extended over the edge of the lake.
The building was constructed off a reinforced concrete slab on a piled foundation with a gabion retaining wall along the lake edge. The superstructure comprises internal grade block work with full fill rockwall insulation, block work backing, and a stone cladding to the external walls. The building incorporates a sedum roof over a Glulam timber beam construction.
The building is powered by a wind-turbine located on an island in the lake. Underfloor heating was installed, which is connected to an underground heat source pump that is heated by the lake bed.
The completed building has achieved a SBEM rating of A+ with a -14 score, i.e. A Zero Carbon Rating Building.
The building was officially opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne in July 2009.
In March 2011, Melhuish & Saunders Ltd won an award for the study centre at the Mendip District Council Built in Quality Awards, in the category 'Best Educational Building', which recognised their high standards of design, construction and workmanship.
