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 Moonhill Quary, Stoke St Micheal.
CLIENT: East Mendip Study Centre
ARCHITECT: Mark Kingsley Architects
STRUCUTRAL ENGINEER: Rambal Whitbybird Engineers
CONTRACT VALUE: £499,805.00
DURATION OF PROJECT: 30 weeks
COMPLETED: October 2008
PROCUREMENT METHOD: Design & Build
Description of Works
The Works Comprised of the Construction of a New Single Storey, Low Carbon Study Centre on the edge of an existing lake set in Moonhills Quarry in Stoke St Micheal. The new centre included teaching/seminar rooms, changing rooms, WCs, Disabled WC, Kitchen and offices. Also an external sheltered teaching area was constructed to the front of the building which over sailed the edge of the lake.
The building was constructed of f a reinforced concrete slab on a piled foundation with a gabion retaining wall along the lakes edge. The Superstructure is constructed of internal grade block work with full fill rockwall insulation, block work backing and a stone cladding to the external. The roof covering is a sedum roof built off of a glulam timber beam construction. The buildings power is being supplied from a wind-turbine installed on an island in the lake and heated underfloor heating connected to an underground heat source pump which 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.