Supporting Neath Port Talbot’s Decarbonisation and Renewable Energy Strategy, the new Bay Technology Centre (BTC) is a step change in approach to building design and a project like no other in Wales, surpassing ‘net zero’ to prove a conceptual practice of ‘building as a power station’ the first commercial facility in Wales that is energy positive in operation. The new office and lab is nestled in the heart of the town’s Energy Centre with the aim of creating a new ‘incubator’ facility for start-ups and establish tech businesses. With its striking façade design and its sustainable approach, this truly is a 21st century building, providing a catalyst for future redevelopment of the town centre, and across Wales, with an improved approach to ‘net zero’.
From the outset the project had a clear mandate – Go beyond ‘net zero’ and provide an energy positive building that produces more energy than it consumes by utilising existing and new technologies and integrating them into the project to provide a state of the art facility.
The vital step of integrated passive design allows for the building to eliminate fossil fuel usage and enable green energy sources to be utilised efficiently. The incorporation of photovoltaic panels into the façade provides a significant clean source of energy into a very compact design package which aids efficiency further.
Three Winning Facts:
- Beyond ‘Net Zero’ approach to ensure best outcomes for the local and global environment.
- Innovative use of solar panels as an architectural feature which inform the building design. With ‘net zero’ embedded into the fabric of the design.
- Comprehensive building monitoring system to create accurate feedback loop. To inform the fine tuning of performance and inform future designs.
