South Leicestershire College

About The Project:

Derry Building Services were responsible for the design development and complete installation of the mechanical and electrical services to the New South Leicestershire College.

Following the construction of a new £40 million, 4-storey, campus building and associated 256 space 3-storey carpark, the 11,500m2 development replaced the existing campus buildings which is now incorporated into one new landmark site.

The facility provides first class education and training resources and has a contemporary interior with innovative learning spaces. This has enabled the college to cater for thousands more learners in the county of Leicestershire.

In addition to the traditional mechanical and electrical services provided, the design of the new building has incorporated eco-friendly design features by adopting a number of green initiatives including:

Photovoltaic Cells and Thermal Solar Panels - These will enable the college to generate hot water and electricity from the sun.

Biomass Boiler - To significantly reduce the building’s carbon footprint.

Rainwater Harvesting System - Allowing the college to capture rainwater which will then be recycled throughout the building.

Naturally Driven Systems Solatube Day-lighting System - With energy bills higher than ever and CO2 emissions still top of the agenda, an energy efficient daylighting system has been installed in most rooms on the top floor, and on a sunny day the electrical lighting system automatically switches off and the space is filled with pure natural daylight, creating a unique architectural effect.

The benefits of installing natural lighting systems of this nature are instant and sizeable energy savings for the client.

Natural Ventilation - Windvent - A natural ventilation system has been installed on the fourth floor and in the construction workshop area.

The Windvent system offers a fresh, cool air supply all year round regulated by the individual occupant's requirements.

From an environmental point of view it is both efficient & carbon neutral - i.e. it leaves no carbon footprint.

Having a fresh air supply to an office / school environment has been proven to reduce sickness and improve productivity compared to premises that have air conditioning or other mechanically cooled ventilation.

The country’s first commission-less fan coil units, the Matrix 2.0 - The Matrix 2.0 is a virtually commission free FCU, currently revolutionising the way fan coils are bought, installed and commissioned. Units supplied to site are pre-configured at the factory with water and airflow rates, greatly simplifying the installation process and removing the commissioning process.

One of the benefits of the features offered by this latest innovation is that air volumes and water flow rates can be adjusted via the BMS or, by a wireless laptop.

This was trialled by Derry Building Services for the first time on this project.

Photos © B+K