The latest phase of investment in the College’s facilities have culminated in a centre with the specific focus of training the next generation of construction apprentices in a range of green technology. Addressing a shortfall in these vital skills the courses taught will include qualifications in plumbing, carpentry, joinery and electrical installations, with an emphasis on renewable technologies including;
- Retro-fit, net-zero, low carbon philosophy and principles
- Renewables: biomass, solar thermal, air source/ ground source
- Modular construction, timber buildings
- Airtightness, ventilation systems, Passivhaus principles
The practice have supported the College’s bid for funding to OXLEP, led the planning application and the design team in delivering the completed project.
The building has been designed to be largely naturally ventilated with underfloor heating and air source heat pumps providing the means of creating comfortable training and demonstration accommodation. Thermal mass in the centre’s envelope creates a well tempered environment regulating temperature differences between day and night.
The exterior of the building combines brick and timber cladding as a sympathetic response to the context of the College campus and adjacent residential properties.
The building has been constructed by E G Carter of Gloucester, with design team services provided by PMP Consultants, Couch Consulting, Smith Consult, Arno and Tracey Kirby Consulting.
