Institute of Arable Crop Research Rothamstead, Hertfordshire

Client: IACR
Architect: R H Partnership
Contractor: Costain
Consultant: Zisman Bowyer & Partners
Project value: -
Complete: 2003

This building houses laboratories (non-TermoDeck) and general open-plant scientific write-up areas, as well as the main reception for the site. As can be seen from the picture above, solar defence was important to protect the large areas of glazing and to prevent the need for traditional cooling.

The air handling units are roof mounted, supplying a radial array of TermoDeck units on each of the two floors. Air is then routed to a raised floor system through cleverly disguised vertical ducts, which for part of a feature shelving design. The air is pushed through floor displacement grilles, which can be moved to suit occupant requirements.

This building has held comfortable temperatures throughout the last two summers, and the owners seem to be very pleased with its performance.