Underfloor System Keeps GLOSCAT IT Centre Cool

Edited by the Buildingtalk editorial team Jan 6, 2004

A major underfloor and ceiling cooling and heating installation will offset the heat generated by the 1,000 computers in the new IT centre at GLOSCAT.

A major underfloor and ceiling cooling and heating installation, undertaken by Warmafloor (GB) Ltd will keep the new Gloucestershire College of Arts and Technology (GLOSCAT) cool in the hottest of weather and offset the heat generated by the 1,000 computers in the college's IT centre.

The 13,000 square metre, two and three storey Cheltenham Campus is located on the old Monkscroft School site on Princess Elizabeth Way, Cheltenham.

The shape of the unique building resembles a hand with a central area around which are arranged 'fingers', accommodating open plan teaching areas.

The central 'palm' area houses the massive computer installation, providing a major learning resource.

The building is designed to be cooled by a combination of natural ventilation, a cooling grid set in the in situ cast ceiling and a further underfloor grid which can be set to act as a huge cooling slab to hold the ambient temperature at a comfortable 21 oC.

Alternatively, it can perform a heating function in cooler periods.

Underfloor systems installed by Warmafloor are also used extensively in other areas of the development, calling for a complex pipe grid - created using underfloor pipe from Hepworth Plumbing Products - and a series of separate control zones.

The underfloor installation is a key element in the creation of the low energy building which has been designed to maximise the use of 'free' air and light and incorporate energy reclamation devices.

Main contractors for the GLOSCAT project are Bovis Lend Lease.

Consultants are WSP Ltd and the mechanical contractors MJN Colston.