The Signature Building, Dunfermline

New Offices for Enconsult.

Enconsult's aim to offer practical low energy designs coupled with challenging architecture was realised in the design of the new Enconsult offices. Every opportunity was taken to include innovative design within practical means and low installation and running costs.

The building was designed specifically to include many of the low energy design features. These include the heating system which has a high efficiency gas fired condensing boiler having ultra low NOx & SOx emissions but also passive solar air heating using solar warmed air from behind roof slates, using the south facing orientation of the building to maximise the solar heat source.

The variable speed circulating pumps always provide the correct pump performance, matching speed to the varying heat requirement and offering up to 50% energy saving.

Ventilation is provided through displacement air principles to maximise free cooling and air quality.

The north elevation has high-level motorised windows, which allow any excess heat to be exhausted. They also provide the softer "North Light" that upon entry into the building is reflected and diffused from the sloping ceiling across the area.

The need to comply with the CIBSE LG3 guidelines for lighting would in past result in the installation of standard low brightness louvres on each luminaire. Category 2 refers to the angle of light emitted from the fitting being above 65? to the downward vertical elevation.

This did solve the problems of glare but in small office areas created contrast with screens set against darkened walls creating an unattractive appearance. The fitting chosen by Enconsult for The Signature building meets all the necessary parameters in Cat 2 and also gives full illumination of the office areas. This is achieved through indirect lighting.

The lamps emit light that is directed upwards off a curved reflector that diffuses and distributes the illumination requirements evenly across the room area and the wall surfaces. Aesthetically they are also very attractive light fittings that are in keeping with the general design of the office.

Total project values £50,000

Completed June 2001.