CIBSE AWARD WINNER | INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS PROJECT TEAM Client : Institute of Physics MEP and structural engineer, faade engineering, geotechnical engineering, acoustics, re engineering: Aecom Architect: TateHindle Contractor: Murphy Ground source heat pump specialist: GI Energy Planning consultant: Daniel Watney A marvel of science The Institute of Physics innovative use of ground source heat pumps helped it secure the Commercial/Industrial Project of the Year accolade at the CIBSE Building Performance Awards. Andy Pearson reports T he Institute of Physics (IOP) has an ambition to become a more public-facing organisation, showcasing the impact of physics on the way we live our lives. Its a philosophy the institute was keen to realise with its new 13m headquarters building in the Keystone Crescent conservation area of Londons Kings Cross. This ve-storey, 1,488m2 net internal area scheme has been constructed behind a retained brick faade. It features: a basement lecture theatre, exhibition space and plantroom; a ground-oor reception and exhibition area, with workspaces and facilities for local start-up businesses; two intermediate oors of ofces; and a top oor of seminar rooms and a council chamber. The HQ houses education and exhibition facilities for the institute, but its building services feature extensive metering and measurement, so turning the building into a living laboratory. We created a higher-spec BMS with multiple monitoring points, over and above what would generally be required to operate the building, says John Edmondson, associate director of Aecom, the schemes MEP engineers. In addition to using the data generated for the day-to-day operation of its headquarters, the IOP is working with partner institutions to enable access to the data for academic study, which will help inform building design and operation for the future. As well as being a living laboratory, the building is a demonstration of sustainable engineering. The client wanted it to be highly sustainable and innovative, and to showcase physics and technology in general, says Edmondson. Aecoms initial proposals included literally showcasing the engineering, with a glazed plantroom wall opening onto the lecture theatre, with thermochromic SUCCESSFUL COMMISSIONING Aecom is working with the design and build contractor, Murphy, and the client to get the seasonal commissioning right to ensure systems are optimised. One of the strategies we agreed with the Institute of Physics to help minimise peak heating and cooling loads was to use adaptive comfort control, to enable the internal temperature to swing in a manner similar to that of a naturally-ventilated building, says Edmondson. Occupant satisfaction questionnaires were used to garner users feedback on internal conditions and to track control modications. Initial feedback was important when making adjustments to the set points to achieve a base occupancy comfort aligned with the adaptive comfort standards, adds Edmondson. Facilities are arranged around a north-facing atrium, a focal point that brings daylight to all oors and provides visual connectivity 24 May 2020 www.cibsejournal.com CIBSE May20 pp24-26, 28 Supp Institute of Physics.indd 24 24/04/2020 15:54