Integrated-service modules provide modern solution for new college building

Published: June 2007

Combining cooling, lighting and other services — and also enabling the thermal mass of the building to be exploited to reduce the need for mechanical cooling are integrated-service modules made by SAS International.

Integrated-service modules and acoustic lighting rafts supplied by SAS international are providing cooling and a range of other services for the redevelopment of Merton College’s campus buildings. In classrooms, laboratories, offices and general study areas, they have provided a modern and robust solution in the new state-of-the-art teaching block.

Several hundred metres of integrated-service modules have been suspended directly from an open soffit or within coffers. They allow for the free-movement of air to the exposed concrete slabs to exploit thermal mass.

Gary Waugh of Nightingale Associates, architect for the project, explains, ‘One of the main design features of the building was using thermal-mass cooling as an option, reducing the need for mechanical ventilation. In the IT rooms, additional cooling requirements determined the choice of chilled-beam technology, which use less energy than standard air conditioning. SAS International’s integrated-service modules were ideal, and were specified to match

the beam profile employed elsewhere in the building.’

The modules deliver light onto the soffit, with a ratio of downlighting to uplighting of about 4:1.

SAS System 600 acoustic lighting rafts were also specified, with acoustic pads to help absorb sound — which is important in class rooms.

Consulting engineer was Max Fordham LLC.