Project Overview
The new 650m2 two-storey state-of-the-art Dinton Activity Centre replaces an existing ageing building with a modern, fit-for-purpose educational and leisure facility that meets the highest sustainability credentials and incorporates innovative and thoughtful architectural design, which takes its cue from the natural surroundings.
Sustainability was at the core of all decisions and for this reason the Centre has been championed as a case study for how local authorities can successfully develop Net Zero Carbon initiatives – it was even recently recognised at COP26.
Key project & sustainability highlights:
– Delivered 50% faster compared to traditional construction
– 75% completed in the factory
– Modules installed on site in just two days
– 60% less construction vehicle movement compared to traditional construction, allowing the existing centre to remain fully operational
– Completed on time and within budget, despite COVID-19 pandemic and an extremely constrained site
– A reduction in waste in excess of 50% through the use of offsite construction
– SMART building technology installed allowing the project team to monitor, review and improve energy usage and performance on an ongoing basis
– 50% reduction in overall energy demand
– No reliance on gas (high carbon fossil fuel) as the building is fully electric
– Environmentally-led features including windcatchers, photovoltaic panels on the roof and car park, and air source heat pumps
– Improved air-tightness and optimum U-values to reach net zero carbon achieved #
– Use of recycled and sustainably sources materials in manufacture
– Biodiversity features such as bird and bat boxes, marrying sustainability, function and design
While everyone involved has strong sustainability commitments, the centre was primarily designed with the community’s needs front and centre. The attractive building features classrooms, changing rooms, offices, large hall, coffee shop, climbing wall and spectator terrace where 400,000 visitors a year can work, play, socialise and relax. It exists sensitively within the natural landscape, while creating a sense of place.
The team exceeded expectations with a facility that really brings the ‘wow’ factory by combining beautiful design inspired by local nature with the highest green credentials. Successful collaboration Reds10 worked closely with Wokingham Borough Council, HLM Architects and RCDC to deliver the complex scheme, which was not only completed on time and within budget, but is an exceptional example of strong teamwork, showing what best practice looks like in architectural innovation and speed of construction and setting a new standard for NZCOp buildings.
