Green light for major Passivhaus student scheme

Plans for one of the world’s largest Passivhaus student accommodation schemes in Bristol have been approved, with work set to begin on site this September.The 280,000 sq ft University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) scheme, designed by architects Stride Treglown, will comprise 900 bedrooms and conform to Passivhaus standards.Passivhaus buildings use very little energy for heating and cooling. Once complete, the complex of buildings will operate at a 75 per cent carbon reduction compared to the same size buildings of traditional design and construction.It will require almost no energy to heat, with what little it does require generated by photovoltaics and recirculated from the ventilation systems.JLL has project managed the team to achieve the approval.Alongside sustainability, student wellbeing has been a key target, with biophilic design values applied to interior spaces and landscapes designed to Building with Nature principles.The first phase of the scheme is set to be completed by the 2023 academic year.Project Team:Client: University of the West of EnglandArchitect, Landscape, BIM and Interiors: Stride TreglownProject Management: JLLCost Consultant: Turner & TownsendC & S Engineer: Curtins