The Building
The University of Bath’s Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (IAAPS) is at the forefront of fostering substantial commercial collaborations and pioneering research endeavours. Steering the next generation of environmentally sustainable and high performance propulsion systems, IAAPS plays a pivotal role in driving innovation.
The primary objective of this construction project was to establish a versatile innovation hub that nurtures collaboration between academia and industry. This hub not only prioritises the development of innovative solutions but also tackles the sector’s pressing engineering skills gap. Moreover, this state-of-the-art facility seamlessly integrates into the growing high-tech manufacturing ecosystem of the region, significantly contributing to its economic expansion.
With a thoughtful design approach, the building actively encourages interaction among its occupants. Featuring a welcoming café, numerous well-appointed meeting spaces, and abundant natural light in communal areas, it facilitates productive engagement. The dynamic spatial progression from the foyer to the atrium serves as a tangible representation of the innovative ethos that drives this project at its core.
Sustainability
BREEAM is an industry-recognised tool which is employed to both define and assess the sustainability performance of buildings. Its primary objective is to ensure that construction projects align with sustainability objectives and maintain peak performance throughout their operational life. In the context of this project, we successfully achieved a BREEAM rating of “Very Good Standard.”
The Glass
Providing high-performance solar control glass with advanced thermal insulation, the SGG COOL-LITE® SKN 154/154 II is a solar control glass coating applied to SGG PLANICLEAR®. The coating has good levels of light transmittance, coupled with a low solar factor making it ideal for commercial projects which require high levels of solar heat rejection. COOL-LITE® SKN 154 forms part of the Saint-Gobain solar control and thermal insulation range, which in combination with other products can also offer:
- Noise reduction, when used in conjunction or applied to STADIP SILENCE
- Safety and security, when used in conjunction with products from the STADIP range
COOL-LITE® SKN 154 can be used to improve the energy efficiency of buildings by considerably reducing overheating and therefore the need for costly air conditioning. It is particularly suited to large areas of glazing where superior solar control performance is required whilst simultaneously, and noticeably reducing excessive heat loss. COOL-LITE® SKN 154 is designed to o er exceptional solar and thermal performance:
- Very low g-value
- Neutral appearance both in transmission and exterior reflection
- Good levels of natural light transmission
