Education

A new world-class sports park at the University of Surrey campus is using Monodraught Windcatcher systems to provide natural ventilation.

Opening in spring 2010, the sports park features a 50 metre, eight-lane swimming pool, a 12 metre high climbing centre and 21 sports pitches. The complex’s two multi-purpose sports halls – one an 8-court and the other a 4-court – are being naturally ventilated using the Windcatcher systems.

Mechanical and electrical engineer Van Zyl & De Villiers was consultant to the project’s main contractor and, in consultation with the university’s consulting team, agreed some changes to the original proposal, primarily replacing the originally specified mechanical ventilation system with a Monodraught natural ventilation strategy that would significantly reduce energy costs and the university’s carbon footprint.

While the environmental benefits were the main concern for Surrey University, the client was delighted that specifying natural ventilation also released a significant amount of space that originally had been allocated for a plant room.

A total of eighteen 2000mm x 1200mm oval Windcatchers were supplied and installed by Monodraught. In Sports Hall 1, four are located over the badminton courts and eight over the seating area. Of the six fitted in Sports Hall 2, two are located over the courts and four over the seating area.

Natural ventilation rates are precisely controlled by temperature and CO2 sensors covering six zones, which monitor airflow through the Windcatcher systems. At night they can be programmed to open fully, providing a downwash of cool air to purge the halls, leaving the interior feeling fresh and clean for activities the following morning.

www.monodraught.com