African Design Magazine ADM #38 March 2018 | Page 38

BOATHOUSE 4
accentuate the character of the existing
structure.
Three now fully operable boatlifting
cranes were refurbished with the
conservation of their function very much
in mind, and the original tidal dock was
sensitively exposed, providing dramatic
views over this rare feature from the south-
east corner and main staircase.
• As a mixed-use visitor destination,
there were four operators and many
more community user groups whose
requirements and opinions were
fundamental to the design. This entailed
discussions with all stakeholders, and
findings were fed back into an activity
plan which had the aim of engendering
community learning and participation
activities, while the plan also informed the
design and the content of the exhibition.
In discussion with local partners during the
consultation process, it was identified that
bursary and training programmes would
improve the employability and skill levels of
local young people; both programmes have
been successful since launching in 2015.
• The project was funded jointly by the
Property Trust (PNBPT ) and HLF money,
which meant a fixed budget and
establishing the brief in reference to the
strict HLF guidelines. The programme
had two phases: restoring the existing
building and constructing the new spaces,
both on a limited budget. Consideration
had to be given to extensive repairs to
the existing concrete substructure before
additional load was applied by the new
building. Also, because the building sits
partially over the sea, any new structure
was designed to bridge over the listed inlet
and add minimal load to the building. New
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build elements supported off the existing
structure have lightweight walls, thus
avoiding the need for new foundations.
Environmental stewardship
The project is inherently sustainable in that
it has breathed new life into an existing
building. The objective during its design
was to optimise energy efficiency as far as
practically and economically possible, given
the tight budget constraints, its sheer size
and unique nature. The design hierarchy
placed primary emphasis on optimising the
building fabric before the mechanical and
electrical systems.
Energy and carbon efficiency have been
optimised with a minimalist design
approach, giving maximum control and
energy accountability to the individual
occupant user groups. Where new
rooms have been introduced, significant
improvements to the thermal performance
of the existing building fabric brings it in line
with current building regulations. Double-
glazed modules are fitted into the original
window frames, and the external walls have
an internal architectural skin.
Natural daylight is used to maximum effect,
and new lighting is highly efficient, with
absence detection and dimming controls.
Local user control of temperature has been
introduced, and sub-metering of electricity,
water and heating use gives individual
groups accountability for their consumption
and provides a modest carbon footprint. A
central building management control system
allows for individual adjustment of time
schedules and set-points for each space/
zone and season. Low flow water fittings and
sensor-operated controls minimise water
consumption.