Nottingham ETRI
The Concept
The design originates from an environmental analysis of the site, considering local microclimatic factors such as wind direction, sun-path, and solar exposure. Physical and digital models were used as tools to simulate and interpret these conditions in architectural terms.
The project embraces environmental design not merely as a responsibility but as an opportunity for creativity. Strategies of climate analysis and bioclimatic design shaped the form and spatial organization of the building. Fluid architectural forms were chosen to evoke continuity between the various functional areas, while simultaneously ensuring high levels of thermal comfort, energy efficiency, and spatial quality.
The Context
This thesis was developed in collaboration with the University of Nottingham through an Erasmus scholarship within the Master in Environmental Design. The project proposes The Construction Centre & Energy and Technology Research Institute, a dedicated facility for the study of alternative energy sources and sustainable technologies, planned for future development by the University of Nottingham.
The academic framework for the research was supported by Prof. Arch. Eliana Cangelli, who supervised the entire design process and guided the integration of environmental design methods with architectural practice. The period of research was also enriched by the presence of Arch. Mario Cucinella as a visiting professor, whose professional perspective on sustainable architecture informed parts of the conceptual approach; the student documented this exchange with a photograph taken with Arch. Cucinella.
The selected site lies within Nottingham’s Jubilee Campus, a park-like university area of about 120 hectares featuring student residences and sports facilities. The specific plot is crossed by a pedestrian path and flanked by two artificial watercourses, conditions that informed the project’s programmatic and environmental strategies.
The Project
The Entrance Hall and Spatial Organization
The main entrance is designed as a significant cut through the volume, visually separating the office area from the prototype laboratories without creating a physical barrier. The ground floor hosts research laboratories, a reception area, an architectural office, prototype exhibition spaces, and a generous atrium. This atrium not only functions as a circulation hub but also as a buffer zone, regulating indoor comfort and offering a dynamic social space.
Interior Design and The Spaces
On the first floor, the program includes meeting rooms, offices, a visitor centre, and an observation area overlooking the prototype hall. A corridor links the two wings of the building and provides access to an outdoor terrace. The second floor accommodates management offices with direct views onto the prototype areas, emphasizing transparency and dialogue between research, administration, and visitors. The interior design reinforces the idea of openness and continuity, supporting flexible use of spaces.
Sustainability and Climate Analysis
A comprehensive environmental strategy underpins the entire design. Daylighting, natural ventilation, and thermal performance were analyzed through empirical studies and dynamic simulation software such as TAS and FLUENT. These tools allowed precise predictions of annual energy demand and indoor comfort levels. At the same time, the building integrates renewable energy production systems, reinforcing its role as a demonstrator of sustainable technology.
The Roof and Energy Performance
The roof system plays a crucial role in the building’s sustainability. The first block is covered with surfaces inclined at 5° and oriented to the southeast, while the roof over the buffer zone is oriented southward with a 15° inclination, optimized for the installation of thin-film photovoltaic panels. The structural solution employs pre-stressed monolithic slabs, capable of spanning wide areas without the need for intermediate beam-column nodes, ensuring both efficiency and flexibility in the building envelope.
Materials and Construction Details
The external skin of the building is clad with a waterproof elastic membrane, which provides visual unity and homogeneity. The entrance is highlighted through laminated wood cladding, adding warmth and material contrast. The wall system is composed of expanded perlite and mineral fibers, offering improved insulation with a low transmittance value. The outer membrane is anchored to lightweight concrete panels, creating a ventilated cavity that enhances thermal performance.
Bioclimatic Diagram and Comfort for Users
The project demonstrates how climate-responsive strategies can be integrated into architectural design. Bioclimatic diagrams and simulations show that appropriate orientation, shading, and ventilation strategies ensure thermal comfort for users throughout the year. Special attention is given to creating comfortable and stimulating spaces for young visitors and children, who will benefit from a healthy and engaging environment dedicated to the study of sustainability.
