Date: 28 May 09
Author: Caroline Ednie, Web Editor
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The zero-carbon Moray Art Centre was designed to complement the surrounding domestic projects undertaken by AffordableTM in Findhorn. Utilising an on-site 'living water' sewage treatment plant (with grey water recycling) and electricity from the community-owned wind turbines, this project for a local Arts Charity was faced with a series of restrictions including: a tight site; small budget; and a desire for minimal operational costs. As a result it was constructed in five separate building phases, as funding was raised for the £700,000 project.
Conceived as a large shed the project is arranged around two north-facing ground floor classrooms,with a moveable partition wall between. Generous circulation & exhibition space with south light is bordered by the ancillary accommodation. The upper floor comprises 4 individual artists studios for rental. A dedicated east facing children's workshop and a double height Gallery to the west complete the building picture.
In common with all Affordable TM projects, the creation of a healthy indoor environment was paramount. As a result a breathing wall & roof construction utilises an insulated timber frame (200x50mm sections) and a range of external rain screen finishes, including: vertical timber cladding in larch; lime render on to wood-wool slab; and fibre cement sidings depending boundary (fire) requirements have ben incorporated. The simple form of the slate roof is complemented by verdigree copper details, copper roofing, veluxes & rainwater goods.
A low cost-in-use heating system was required by the client. Consequently under-floor heating has been installed directly into the pigmented structural concrete slab. The finish was then textured and rotary cut in to a paving arrangement. Heat is supplied by two 'single phase' heat pumps, powered from a combination of deep boreholes & ground loop collectors. In addition a 9.6kW photovoltaic array supplements electrical consumption along with low energy lighting sponsored to the project by Philips International.
Overall the design & detailing is simple, providing a backdrop to the people, activity, art & exhibitions that fill the volumes with light, colour & vibrancy.
For more information visit: www.morayartcentre.org
Moray Art Centre has been shortlised in the Sustainable Design category of the Scottish Design Awards 2009.
Project: Moray Art Centre
Architect: Affordable TM Architects
Client: Findhorn based arts charity
Location: Findhorn
Link: www.affordabletm.co.uk
Images: Affordable TM
(Click on images to enlarge)
This is a nice building to be in. Me and my friends go there every saturday for art classes. The classes are great fun. The new gardens being made are really exciting.