A 790 sq.m extension to the existing Abbeyfield residence constructed over two floors in traditional brick and tiled roof design in keeping with the local vernacular provides residential, warden controlled, homes as mixture of 9 flats plus a staff flat and two visitor’s bedrooms.
All rooms have en-suite showers and toilets in addition to the central “Parker Bath” facility. Central dining and lounge facilities provide scope for social interaction amongst residents and all are provided with homely-feel.
The project was let on a design and build contract basis with Worldwise providing a performance specification and sketch scheme drawings for all mechanical and electrical services along with design checking and installation quality checking with cost control post contract roles.
The building includes services for full DDA compliance in keeping with its “rest home” nature: including lift, power assisted doors, audio and visual fire alarm and assistance call systems in all rooms. Each resident’s room is wired for satellite and terrestrial television and a door entry system is provided. Low energy lighting is provided with circulation spaces and en-suites having automatic presence detection control. A boosted water supply is provided to ensure adequate water flow and pressure to second and third floors. Heating is effected using condensing boilers and domestic hot water is generated using a direct gas-fired water heater. Underfloor heating is provided throughout with en-suites having additional heated towel rails.
Close liaison with the architects during the early design process ensured that compliance with Part L 2006 Building Regulations could be achieved when tested on iSBEM calculations. Some changes were required to window sizes and glazing needed to incorporate solar reflective glass in a number of areas to prevent summertime overheating.
9sq.m solar thermal system for pre-heating domestic hot water contributes to the renewable energy requirements for the project.
