Natural ventilation contributes to energy efficiency of Pontio
Natural ventilation using Gilberts (Blackpool)’s Mistrale ventilation louvres are helping the £49 million Pontio arts and innovation centre in Bangor achieve high environmental standards. Pontio (Welsh for bridge) aims to link art, science, the university and the local community through its provision of cinema, and design and innovation centre in a single building located between the main university buildings and the city.
Over 60 Mistrale ventilation louvres have been integrated into key areas of the foyer, theatre technical workshop, social learning area and energy centre. Al the units at Pontio have Gilberts’ WPZ50 rain- and weather-resistant external louvres to enable the system to be easily integrated into the fully glazed atrium facade.
Cross ventilation and passive stack principles have been employed to ensure appropriate air changes to maintain internal air quality and temperature. Night cooling, a key benefit of natural-ventilation strategies, is optimised to further enhance the building’s energy efficiency and ensure a comfortable environment when it is occupied.
