Tech week review

Well I've had all my seminars and here's a summary of all the feedback:

Overall, very positive comments on the scheme so far.

Construction:
1. Is a black a good colour for a medical centre? Hmm.
2. Is a concrete frame necessary? Could be more lightweight eg timber, insulated panels.
3. Zinc panels need movement joints.

Services:
1. Canal cooling a good idea but needs some heating - convential gas fired boiler is fine - biomass probably a tall order on this site.
2. Chilled/Active beams would be fine distribution method.
3. Needs air handling M+E, look into heat recovery
4. Consider zoning, air handling just for the black box, natural vent for the rest
5. Move plant room to under existing lock keepers cottage - would probably have a basement.

Structure:
1. Should be no disturbance to the canal lock structure. Measures should have minimal impact on existing.
2. Create a constraints plan, plotting on what is known and assumptions based on research
3. Concrete frame foundations would probably be deep piles, bored in to minimise undermining and vibration.
4. Look into treatments to existing cottage - new roof should have comparative weight to old (10% difference max) or require strengthening of structure. May need underpinning.
5. Concrete frame made of precast columns and hollowcore deck for speed - therefore closure of lock minimal.