The Al-Qasimi Building
Creating a future-ready academic environment that seamlessly supports hybrid learning, collaboration and low-energy performance.
The Al-Qasimi Building delivers a new interdisciplinary academic environment supporting hybrid teaching, collaborative research and international engagement.
The development integrates digitally enabled teaching, collaboration and social learning spaces alongside the existing IAIS building, creating an inclusive, high quality environment aligned with Passivhaus certification and future net zero carbon performance.
Images courtesy of AtkinsRealis
SDS delivered a highly detailed MEP design for the Al-Qasimi Building, supporting the project’s ambition to achieve Passivhaus certification, an all-electric strategy and future net zero carbon performance. Our role extended beyond conventional building services design, with the team working closely with the certified Passivhaus Designer to align the MEP strategy with the stringent performance, comfort and energy requirements of the standard.
Every aspect of the MEP design was carefully considered to support Passivhaus performance. This included minimising distribution routes, reducing transmission losses, improving buildability and limiting embodied carbon through efficient services coordination. SDS coordinated plantrooms, risers and service zones within a constrained live campus environment, using BIM-led design to reduce coordination risk and support the MMC-led construction approach.
SDS undertook detailed daylight modelling in accordance with the Department for Education’s Technical Annex 2E requirements for daylight and electric lighting, demonstrating that the design achieved appropriate levels of natural light, visual comfort and glare control across teaching, research and collaboration spaces. This supported the creation of high-quality internal environments while helping to reduce reliance on artificial lighting and align the building with its low-energy, Passivhaus and net zero carbon objectives.
Dynamic thermal modelling for comfort, energy & renewables optimisation
SDS supported the PHPP energy modelling process with dynamic thermal modelling, providing robust analysis for both occupant comfort and deep energy performance. This ensured the design was tested against realistic operational conditions and optimised to minimise energy demand, overheating risk and long-term carbon impact.
A fully integrated PV array was designed to support the building’s all-electric and zero carbon strategy, working alongside an air source heat pump approach to provide efficient, low-carbon heating and cooling. Heating, cooling and ventilation systems were developed around centralised MVHR with variable air volume (VAV) control, responding intelligently to occupancy, temperature and CO₂ levels to maintain excellent internal environmental quality while reducing energy consumption.
Involvement
- We acted in a MEP supporting role during the construction phase, working closely with the main contractor Prime Build, and the project Passivhaus consultants – Gale & Snowden Architects.
- Our responsibilities included ensuring the MEP systems were installed in accordance with the Passivhaus requirements and overseeing commissioning.
- Liaising with local energy suppliers regarding the unique PV export / import requirements
- Ensuring MEP systems were complaint with building biology criteria
Benefits delivered
- As Passivhaus MEP designers, our in-depth understanding of how mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems should be designed and delivered during construction was critical in supporting the architect and contractor to meet all certification requirements.
- We also provided specialist technical support to ensure the scheme complied with stringent low electromagnetic radiation standards, including the specification of shielded cabling and demand cut-off switches to create a healthier indoor environment.
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