Located on the former Scottish & Newcastle Breweries site, now regenerated as Science Central, this combined heat and power (CHP) energy centre provides heating and cooling for the entire masterplan.
The energy centre uses CHP engines to generate electricity and produce hot water. The hot water travels through a network of pipes to heat commercial and residential buildings. This energy solution runs efficiently and produces fewer carbon emissions than the national grid. Power stations often lose heat to the air. Many buildings also use individual boilers and air-conditioning systems, which increases emissions.
The site features difficult topography and requires complex retaining structures. The architecture presents as a simple functional box. The building uses the same materials as the commercial buildings throughout the masterplan. This helps it fit into the overall vision.
We worked with Engie and Newcastle City Council to develop and coordinate the design. We used a BIM model to manage the process.
