Worldwise Limited was engaged to produce a detailed design, specification and drawings and full site visit roles for all the mechanical and electrical services systems for this shell and fit-out Design and Build Contract.
The project comprised the provision of a replacement library on the ground floor of the old Boscombe Library site, with a four-storey block of social housing flats above it. To gain sufficient floor space to accommodate all of the library services a mezzanine floor was provided as part of the footprint of the building. Apart from the usual control desk and a separate enquiry desk, areas within the library were created for children, IT Resource, audio library with listening provision, a study area, reading area, staff rest and workrooms, plant and toilet areas. A Customer Contact Area was added late into the design by the client. The library building was constructed from conventional steel frame with a brick exterior to provide 600m2 of usable floor area.
Working closely with the shell and core architects Worldwise agreed good use of daylight and natural cross-ventilation with large glazed areas and opening lights on the east and west elevations.
Dedicated gas-fired condensing boilers serve an optimised and compensated LPHW radiant heating system using panels integrated into the ceiling over the main library areas. This released the maximum floor and wall areas for shelving and display purposes whilst satisfying the client’s wish for underfloor heating not to be employed. Radiators provide perimeter heating on the upper mezzanine area as lack of headroom precluded a radiant system. Wall mounted heat pump units provide spot cooling in the IT Resource area under the mezzanine floor where local heat gains from the equipment create an overheating risk.
A CAT 5e structured cabling system is provided to meet voice and IT requirements and floor boxes provide power and IT points to desks and island computer equipment. Two platform lifts provide ease of access between ground and lower ground floors. DDA requirements are further met by the inclusion of audio loops, refuge alarm systems, assess call from toilets, power assisted entrance doors, audible and visual fire alarm indication and low level countertops. Presence detection and photocell controllers minimise the use of artificial lighting throughout the building.
