Monodraught scores in two new sports halls
Two new multi-purpose sports halls at the University of Surrey have Monodraught WindCatcher natural ventilation systems specified to replace the originally specified mechanical ventilation. M&E engineers Van Zyl & De Villiers were appointed as consultants to the project’s main contractor after the tender stage and recommended changing to natural ventilation to reduce energy costs and carbon footprint.
One of the halls has eight courts, and the other has four.
Paul Vorster, a director with Van Zyl & De Villiers, explains that the biggest challenge for both companies was to demonstrate that the buildings would not overheat during maximum occupancy in Summer. In the larger hall, this meant creating a comfortable environment for spectators without interfering with the sports being played.
Following extensive thermal modelling by the consultants, Monodraught supplied 18 oval WindCatchers measuring 2 x 1.2 m. In the larger sports hall, there are four WindCatchers over the badminton courts and eight over the seating area. In the other hall, there are two units over the courts and four over the seating area.
Ventilation rates are controlled according to temperature and CO2 sensors.
Van Zyl & De Villiers helped pioneer the application of Monodraught natural-ventilation systems about five years ago to comply with Sport England’s guidelines for air velocities in badminton sports halls and to help reduce energy costs and minimise carbon footprint.
