A new, landmark location for science and technology is engendering a stimulating environment for workers, in part through the physics of the ventilation.
The 7-storey, 14,000m2 The Lumen represents the first component of the first phase in Newcastle’s Helix Innovation Quarter, regenerating the site of the former Scottish & Newcastle Brewery. It is also the largest privately-funded office building in the city centre in a decade, financed by Legal & General. With an EPC rating of A, the building has also achieve BREEAM “Excellent”.
The open-plan, contemporary offices are ventilated throughout with diffusers from Gilberts Blackpool, delivering air throughout the workspace from a four pipe fan coil air conditioning system designed to provide a constant indoor air temperature. The Gilberts diffusers were selected by M&E specialist Integral UK Ltd, who developed the design from RIBA Stage 4 alongside M&E Consultant Desco. Integral completed the installation of the diffusers, supplied by Gilberts’ agent in the north east Angus Air.
Angus Watson, managing director of Angus Air, elaborated: “The whole idea behind the design of The Lumen was to create flexible office space that allowed collaboration and exchange of ideas between the occupant, hence the open plan internal environment. The correct ventilation is critical to productivity: being too hot, cold, or sat in a draught is a distraction. We supported Desco in the selection of the most appropriate diffusers to create an ideal working environment, that also complimented the contemporary aesthetics. Gilberts’ products are at the cutting edge of air movement. We know too that the company has the capability and the knowledge to substantiate and validate any variation, such as the addition of the coanda.”
