Environmental Design Analysis Report
Project: Outdoor Forest Art School for Children
Location: Trinity Buoy Wharf, London
Prepared for: Client’s A3 Portfolio Compilation
1. Introduction
This report details the environmental design requirements for an Outdoor Forest Art School in
London. The analysis incorporates occupancy loads, ventilation strategies, daylighting, thermal
performance, U-values, glazing ratios, shading needs, and heat loads.
Passive design strategies based on site-specific climate data are prioritized to ensure a
comfortable, sustainable learning environment.
2. How the Values Were Derived
2.1. U-Values (Thermal Performance)
The U-value (thermal transmittance) measures how much heat is lost through a material. Lower
U-values indicate better insulation, reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
Choice Criteria:
• UK Building Regulations Approved Document L:
o Walls: 0.18 – 0.25 W/m²K (for highly insulated buildings).
o Roofs: ≤ 0.15 W/m²K (to minimize heat loss).
o Windows/Glazing: 0.9 – 1.2 W/m²K (double/triple glazing).
• Passivhaus Standard:
o Targeting low-energy school designs.
o We referenced Passivhaus guidelines for insulation levels.
Application to the Project
• Classrooms & Offices → Lower U-value (≤ 0.2 W/m²K) to maintain thermal stability.
• Storage & Utility Rooms → Slightly higher U-value (≤ 0.25 W/m²K) as they are less
occupied.
2.2. Glazing Ratios (Windows & Daylighting)
Glazing impacts daylighting, heat loss/gain, and visual comfort.
• Too much glass = Overheating & heat loss in winter.
• Too little glass = Poor daylighting, increased artificial lighting demand.
Choice Criteria:
• UK Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Lighting Guide:
o Ideal Glazing Ratio: 30–40% for classrooms and offices.
o 20–30% for exhibition spaces (to protect artwork).
o ≤ 5% for storage rooms (minimal daylight needed).
• Daylighting simulation studies suggest optimal ratios based on orientation:
o South/East-facing areas should maximize natural light while avoiding glare.
o North-facing glazing should be limited to prevent winter heat loss.
Application to the Project
• Classrooms & Offices → 30–40% glazing ratio for natural daylighting.
• Exhibition/Gallery → 20–30% with UV protection (to prevent artwork fading).
• Storage/Utility → ≤ 5% glazing (since daylight is unnecessary).
2.3. Shading Strategies
• Prevents overheating in summer.
• Allows passive solar heating in winter.
• Reduces glare and improves comfort.
Choice Criteria:
• Based on the Trinity Buoy Wharf climate data:
o South-East sunlight exposure (9 AM – 12 PM in summer) → Needs shading.
o Harsh South-West winds in winter → Requires wind protection.
• CIBSE Guide A (Thermal Comfort) suggests:
o Overhangs, external shading, and vegetation reduce overheating risks.
o Deciduous trees → Block summer sun but allow winter warmth.
o Adjustable louvers → Optimize light intake seasonally.
Application to the Project
• Outdoor Classrooms → Tree shading & pergolas.
• Reception & Gallery → Overhangs + external shading.
• Offices & Admin Spaces → Adjustable louvers for glare control.
2.4. Overheating & Natural Ventilation
• Ensures fresh air, prevents stagnation, and enhances thermal comfort.
• Natural ventilation is prioritized to reduce mechanical cooling needs.
Choice Criteria:
• UK Building Regulations Part F (Ventilation):
o Classrooms require cross-ventilation with operable windows.
o Stack ventilation (clerestory openings) is effective in large-volume spaces (e.g.,
gallery).
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) studies suggest:
o 50% operable window area for natural airflow in educational spaces.
o Wind-buffer zones should mitigate harsh SW winds in winter.
Application to the Project
• Classrooms → Cross-ventilation via Northeast & Southwest-facing openings.
• Gallery & Reception → Stack ventilation using clerestory windows.
• Outdoor Classrooms → Wind-resistant enclosures to buffer SW winter winds.
