Setting the bench-mark in school ventilation

Gilberts, Blackpool, natural ventilation, school, schools

Natural ventilation for a £1.6 million extension at Benchill Primary School in Manchester is provided by Mistrale Fusion 128 units from Gilberts (Blackpool) Ltd. Architect Stephenson Studio designed in natural ventilation for the modular 2-storey, 900 m2 timber-frame building. It comprises six classrooms, a nursery, kitchen, administration area and break-out area.

The Mistrale units have been fitted into the bulkhead of each classroom and the nursery. Bespoke double direction grilles deliver 8 l/s per person as required by Department of Education and PBSP guidelines.

Installed through the facade, Mistrale Fusion mixes internal and external air to ventilate the internal space. The unit focuses on natural ventilation, incorporating a mixing damper to modulate airflow and enable fresh air to mix with warm exhaust air to temper it. An integrated low-energy fan energises to blend the internal air, ensuring an even airflow with control of temperature and CO2 levels. The fan costs less than £5 a year to run.

Ameon was the building-services engineer.

For more information on this story, click here: March 2016, 128
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