North London Hospice, Enfield, London N21

摘要

The client stipulated a highly energy-efficient building. This was achieved using Passivhaus principles, primarily increased air-tightness, increased thermal insulation and a heat recovery system. The external wall has a wide cavity to accommodate the increased thickness of insulation. It also conceals RWPs, SVPs and steel columns, allowing internal spaces to remain free from service boxing and external facades to be clear of downpipes. Employing a steel frame was the key to unlocking larger spaces within the building and enabling large, cantilever corner windows. The second floor office and ground floor day care are 'truss-free' open plan spaces. Roof lights to the second floor office are a dramatic addition to the space and provide good natural lighting and cross-ventilation. The detailing of the concealed gutters and bespoke verge trim generates a crisp, planar roofscape which conjpsts, yet complements the rustic, textured character of the brickwork.