January 28 2013

Buro Happold and Danish practice Schmidt hammer Lassen have won an international design competition for a new cultural centre and library in Karlsham, Sweden.

Incorporating education and conference spaces as well as workshops and an auditorium the new facility has been designed to optimise glare free daylighting and embodies low-energy thermal performance.

This has been achieved through mixed mode ventilation techniques which combine natural and mechanical interventions which respond dynamically to the external climate such as purging excess heat during the summer months – aided by its exposed concrete which absorbs some heat gain without recourse to mechanical cooling.

A palette of materials including timber, glass and textiles will be adopted with photovoltaic stamps incorporated within the roof of a central low-level street which is stored using on-site batteries for redistribution to lighting systems.

Rod Manson commented: “This project is another significant cultural centre project for Buro Happold in the Nordic region and demonstrates client’s interest and enthusiasm to deliver sustainable and low energy buildings.”

The design is rated as BREEAM SWE ‘Excellent’.

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