Utilizing the Lake as a Cooling System Takes Center Stage at the Technology Center
Nestled within a site of extraordinary natural beauty, the architectural marvel, crafted by Foster and Partners, takes the form of a transparent glass structure ingeniously half-sunken into the hillside to minimize its visual impact. To further diminish the perceived massiveness of the building, a substantial artificial lake seamlessly intertwines with it, creating a harmonious interplay of form. This yin-and-yang relationship is enhanced by reflections and surface movements that delicately dance upon the glass, endowing the structure with a poetic and weightless presence.
Joining forces with the multi-disciplinary design team, Atelier Dreiseitl under the leadership of Herbert Dreiseitl provided expertise in seamlessly integrating stormwater management with a water cooling system. Given the substantial cooling requirements, the challenge lay not only in meeting the demand but also in approaching it with environmental consciousness and innovative design. Rather than relying solely on conventional cooling towers, the team embarked on an environmental and design journey to explore the untapped potential of lake water as a cooling agent. The ultimate goal was to optimize this natural resource as a highly visible and efficient operating system, blending functionality with aesthetic finesse.
Atelier Dreiseitl
Landscape Architecture, Water Recycling System, Cleansing Biotopes, and River Restoration
This project was originally produced by Atelier Dreiseitl under the leadership of Herbert Dreiseitl. Since its merger in the year 2013 with the Ramboll Group A/S this project and the copyright is owned by Ramboll.
Location
London, UK
Collaborators
Foster + Partners
Client
McLaren
Timeline
1994-2004
Site Area
1.62ha/4 acres
Status
Completed
The building cooling system is connected to the outdoor water system via a heat exchanger. The collected heat is released to the atmosphere through the cascade and surface of the lake.
The VIP road gracefully follows the contours of the lake, descending in tandem with the cascade. As vehicles approach the entrance, there is a captivating illusion as if they are driving over water for the final 40 meters. To maintain the pristine condition of the water, a cleansing biotope spanning 2,100 square meters has been integrated. Notably, no chemicals are introduced into the lake, emphasizing its status as a natural water body.
In an adaptable system designed to accommodate varying cooling demands and optimize water quality, water can be selectively drawn from either the cleansing biotope or the formal lake. This water is then pumped to the heat exchanger. Once it has passed through the heat exchanger, the now-warmed water is returned to the cascade, initiating a new cycle of cooling. In instances of extreme storm events, any excess water can be gradually released into the adjacent Bourne River, ensuring effective stormwater management.
The cascade is assembled using a repetitive precast element made from high-density concrete. To ensure water integrity, the formal lake is lined with a polyethylene liner. In the initial stages of the project, comprehensive thermal, flow, and filtration studies were conducted using computer simulations and numerical calculations. These studies served as crucial consultation documents throughout the design process for the entire interdisciplinary project team.
The formal lake covers an expansive surface area exceeding 16,000 square meters, serving as a recipient for stormwater runoff directly from the roof. A striking element of the design is a 180-meter-long cascade, standing at a height of 4 meters, gracefully extending from the building. This cascade runs alongside the VIP-road, the primary access point for guests and clients. While the significant expanse of the formal lake contributes to cooling through evaporation, the cascade is meticulously crafted to transform water into fine droplets.
This intentional design serves multiple purposes: enhancing the oxygenation of the water, intensifying the cooling effect, and creating a captivating visual display reminiscent of white water. The heightened visibility of the water, coupled with the resulting rhythmic sweeps, introduces an optical dynamism that proves particularly refreshing and is prominently visible from the adjacent restaurant.
The symbiotic relationship between the building and the lake blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces, creating unforgettable vistas both inside and outside the structure.
