Size is no barrier to greener buildings

Proving that energy efficiency comes in all shapes and sizes of buildings, two very different projects are going head to head for the Sustainable Development category of this year’s ProCon Leicestershire property and construction awards.

Competing for the prize are the University of Nottingham’s new building The Barn at its Sutton Bonington Campus and a new family home near the shores of Rutland Water.

The category, sponsored by Willmott Dixon Construction, is one of six in this year’s ProCon Awards. The ProCon Awards’ overall sponsors are Westleigh Partnerships, Gateley Plc, Salus Approved Inspectors and Unique Window Systems. The Leicester Mercury is the Awards’ media partner.

The Sustainable Development of the Year finalists are:

The Barn, University of Nottingham, submitted by Gleeds

A new £9m amenities building at the University of Nottingham’s Sutton Bonington Campus, The Barn brings together a dining hall, bar, student services and social spaces among other facilities.

The use of traditional brick work techniques creates openings in the walls that provide natural ventilation.

The bricks also temper the heat build up when large numbers of people arrive simultaneously, helping to create a comfortable internal environment as well as improving the energy performance of the building and reducing utility bills.

Whitwell House, Whitwell, submitted by FCD Architecture

Whitwell House is a five bedroom detached family house located in the conservation area of Whitwell village on the north shore of Rutland Water.

The house has been designed to the Passivhaus low energy standard by the architect for his family and includes space for working from home and for parents and friends to stay with the family for extended periods.

The project employed consultants, constructors and suppliers drawn almost entirely from Leicestershire and Rutland. It is currently aiming for Passivhaus certification.

Nick Heath, operations director at Willmott Dixon Construction, said: “Willmott Dixon has been extremely active working in Leicester over recent years – completing important projects key for the area’s growth.

“These include the City Council’s relocation into City Hall, a new entrance hub and performing arts facility for Loughborough College, a local Police facility for Leicestershire Police, schools across the county and we are nearing completion of the largest Passivhaus building in the UK for Leicester University.”

The winner will be announced at a November ceremony at Leicester’s King Power Stadium.

The other five awards are:

• Small Residential Scheme of the Year, sponsored by Infrastructure Investment
• Large Residential Scheme of the Year, sponsored by Infrastructure Investment
• Small Non-residential Scheme of the Year, sponsored by Danaher & Walsh
• Large Non-residential Scheme of the Year, sponsored by Danaher & Walsh
• Regeneration Project of the Year, sponsored by EME Installations