The Berrill Building The Open University Milton Keynes

Client: Open University Construction value: 7.5 million Completion: 1997

The Berrill Building forms a new entrance to the OU campus, providing visitor reception and conference facilities including an exhibition space, caf and 250-seat lecture theatre constructed within an existing BBC television studio. Its main function, however, is to provide office space for three departments: academic administration, the Institute of Educational Technology and the Knowledge Media Institute. The building provides low energy accommodation by incorporating simple passive systems including optimising natural daylight, ventilation and shading systems which can be operated by individual users. The building, orientated on a north/south axis, combines different approaches to reducing solar gain on each elevation. The east side is shaded by perpendicular perforated aluminium panels and the west by electronically operated roller blinds. Opening windows provide natural ventilation across the 14 metre office floor plate. Low level vents are manually operated; high level vents are controlled automatically by the building management system. The lower four floors are constructed from in situ concrete which is exposed internally to provide thermal mass. The top floor and roof aerofoil contain a steel structure. External walls are constructed from aluminium curtain walling incorporating white ceramic backed spandrel panels. The scheme provides a responsive, adaptable and comfortable working environment for 450 people over 7,500 square metres. Awards Civic Trust Award 1999

Structural Engineer: Buro Happold M&E Engineer: Buro Happold Contractor: Mace Photographs: Dennis Gilbert/VIEW Pictures Mandy Reynolds

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