Climate Innovation District: A Model for Urban Sustainability
In Leeds, the Climate Innovation District, developed by Citu, is transforming a brownfield site into a paragon of eco-conscious urban living. This regeneration project comprises 516 high-performance, low-energy residences designed to near Passivhaus standards, utilising the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP).
Key Features:
- Scandinavian-inspired community planning
- Integrated, walkable community layout
- On-site manufacturing plant (Citu Works) for low-carbon homes
- Extensive pedestrian and cycling infrastructure
- Strategic green spaces for air quality and social cohesion
- Digital innovation, including Building Information Modelling (BIM) and energy management apps
Sunsquare’s Contribution: Advanced Daylighting and Ventilation
Sunsquare, in collaboration with Surespan, has provided state-of-the-art skylight solutions to enhance natural light and ventilation in this pioneering development.
Product Spotlight: Aero Electric Roof Access Rooflights
These bespoke units, measuring 3050 x 851mm, exemplify Sunsquare’s commitment to engineering excellence and innovative design.
Technical Specifications:
- Glazing: 29.5mm Insulating Glass Unit (IGU) with solar control properties
- Thermal Performance: U-value of 1.1 W/m²K
- Structural Integrity: Compliant with CWCT TN92 standards
- Finish: External RAL 9005 (Jet Black), Internal RAL 9010 (Pure White)
- Bespoke insulated timber upstand for seamless roof integration
The advanced glazing system incorporates a high-performance outer pane with SN70/35 coating, optimising solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and visible light transmission (VLT). An argon-filled cavity and warm edge spacer technology further enhance thermal performance.
Performance Analysis and Environmental Impact
Sunsquare’s Aero Electric Roof Access Rooflights deliver significant benefits:
- Daylighting Optimisation: Potential 20% energy savings on lighting loads in top-floor apartments.
- Thermal Regulation: Advanced solar control coating manages heat gain, supporting passive design strategies.
- Natural Ventilation: Electric opening mechanism enables controlled airflow and night purging.
- Occupant Well-being: Improved circadian rhythm regulation and increased satisfaction.
- Environmental Footprint: Reduced reliance on active building systems lowers operational carbon footprint.
Conclusion: Setting New Industry Standards
Sunsquare’s involvement in the Climate Innovation District demonstrates our capacity to deliver bespoke, high-performance daylighting solutions for complex urban regeneration projects. The Aero Electric Roof Access Rooflight exemplifies our position at the forefront of skylight technology.
This project showcases the efficacy of collaborative approaches in sustainable building design. The synergy between Sunsquare’s product innovation and Surespan’s expertise has resulted in a solution that exceeds the development’s stringent performance criteria.
As the construction industry addresses climate change challenges, projects like the Climate Innovation District and products like Sunsquare’s Aero Electric Rooflights serve as valuable case studies. They demonstrate that with appropriate technology and meticulous design, it’s possible to create sustainable urban environments conducive to high-quality living.
The success of the Aero Electric Rooflights in this context underscores Sunsquare’s position as an industry leader in sustainable building envelope solutions. We remain committed to driving innovation in skylight design, continuously refining our products to meet the evolving demands of high-performance, low-energy architecture.
