Client: The Perse School, Cambridge
Services: Detailed MEP Design | Energy Strategy | Sustainability Support
Overview
QODA was appointed as part of the main contractor team to develop the detailed building services design for the new Sports Centre at The Perse School in Cambridge. The facility includes a sports hall, swimming pool, changing facilities, and ancillary spaces, designed to meet both the Employer’s Requirements and Sport England performance standards.
Project vision
The goal was to deliver a high-performance, energy-efficient sports facility that supports the school’s sustainability aspirations while providing state-of-the-art amenities for students and the wider community.
Key features
Low-Carbon Heating Solution:
- Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) provide space heating, pool heating, and domestic hot water.
- Eliminated the need for gas-fired back-up boilers by achieving high DHW temperatures via heat pump technology.
- Central AHU with high-efficiency heat recovery for comfort and energy performance.
Swimming Pool Ventilation:
Displacement ventilation strategy with low-level supply and high-level extract.
On-Site Renewables:
Roof-level photovoltaic (PV) panels optimised through detailed electrical demand analysis.
QODA’s role
QODA delivered detailed MEP design and coordinated services for all specialist spaces within The Perse School Sports Centre, including the sports hall, swimming pool, and ancillary areas. We developed an energy-efficient strategy centred on air source heat pump (ASHP) technology, eliminating the need for gas-fired systems and achieving high domestic hot water temperatures entirely via renewable sources.
Our team also integrated roof-level photovoltaic panels to reduce operational carbon and ensure compliance with Sport England’s design and performance criteria.
Impact
The new Sports Centre provides cutting-edge facilities for The Perse School while demonstrating how innovative engineering solutions can deliver low-carbon performance without compromising functionality or user experience.
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