PEARL took top prize for âEnvironmental Sustainabilityâ and was shortlisted in the âEducationâ category at the NLA (New London Architects) 2022 Awards.
'Lean','Clean','Green'
PEARL is MyAV·¶âs first âNet Zero Carbonâ building in use and is built in Dagenham. The design ethos of âLean, Clean, Greenâ is evident throughout, and was key in earning accolades. The materials, construction, and research function align to create a building that is incredibly âleanâ and efficient. The foundations, slab, structural frame and long span high insulation cladding system were all designed to minimise carbon-services. High-quality reused and recyclable materials were used in the structure and the furniture to minimise waste. Air-source heat pumps provide âcleanâ renewable energy and empower seasonal switching between heating and cooling. The low water-demand from the building reduced the overall heat required. The full span of Solar PV is a âgreenâ roof that provides more energy than the building needs, and supplies the excess to the neighbouring business park. Professor Tyler welcomed the acknowledgement of PEARLâs performance âIâm delighted that our efforts to set a precedent to create net-zero buildings have been recognised by the professional community in Londonâ.
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PEARL caught the judges' eyes
PEARL has resonated with the judges at NLA and matches their own vision for what makes a brilliant building. The organisation describes itself as ââŠthe worldâs leading centre for excellence for the built environment. Our purpose is to improve the quality of peopleâs lives by making London a better place to live, work and visitâ. The award is the second in a month for PEARL, which was recognised as the âNet Zero Project of the Yearâ at the Building Awards on 1 November. PEARL has earned âOutstandingâ, the highest rating from the Building Research Establishmentâs Environmental Assessment Record (BREEAM) and has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of âA+â. The site is set to recoup the emissions cost of building it. It is zero net negative carbon when measured under regulated use. It is predicted remain net negative carbon when in full unregulated use during research.
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Aiming High
The facilityâs objective is to create a world where everyone can experience an improved quality of life through better design of the environment, using an evidence-based understanding of how people interact with it, for a more accessible and sustainable future. PEARL was envisioned by Professor Nick Tyler of MyAV·¶âs Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, as a âbuilding to house the worldâ. With a floor area of approx. 4,000mÂČ, a volume of 44,000mÂł, and ten metres high, the laboratory space has been designed and engineered with 40m clear structural spans to house hugely varied research experiments. Equipped with indoor ambient environments and sound systems, the laboratory can test the impact of âreal lifeâ environmental conditions, such as lighting, smell, touch and sound on peopleâs behaviour and perception.
Making in Dagenham
PEARL aims to be a hub for the local community and is already working closely with multiple schools and colleges across the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.ÌęIn this respect it is another entry in the story of MyAV·¶ as a university open to all regardless of background, which is it's founding mission. PEARLÌęhas a strong focus on community connections and a community focused approach to research, and on regional labour and apprenticeships on site.
MyAV·¶ was represented at the NLA Awards on 29 November by Professor Nick Tyler and Barbara Pizzileo, the Strategic Partnerships and Operations Manager for the University.
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