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The EpiCentre

Opened in 1999, the EpiCentre provides Meanwood Valley Urban Farm and the local community with the opportunity of exhibition space, classrooms, meeting facilities, offices, a library and the central focus for the learning and inspiration of the Farm’s aims.

Each element of the building compliments the overall strategy of sustainability and minimal environmental impact, whilst remaining contemporary and innovative in its overall design. It aims to capture the imagination of visitors, with a special interest on providing interest for young people.
The building is an example of green design, based on the Walter Segal ‘Self Build’ concept of environmentally friendly housing, said to be one of the simplest, most economical, adaptable and
eco-friendly methods of modern sustainable building.

The low environmental ‘footprint’ of such building techniques, combined with the idea of sustaining local development provides social improvement whilst remaining in tune with the natural area.

The main structure of the building uses locally grown Larch timber frames bolted together using recycled metal casting. Over time the timber ‘seasons’, becoming more resilient to the elements and is believed to be able to stand for well over a hundred years. The main frame is clad in lightweight, robust and easily adjustable and replaceable timber walls, eliminating the need for excessive use of wet trades such as bricklaying and plastering. The walls are also insulated with recycled fireproof newspaper, which proves to be a cheap and effective way of retaining heat.

On the ground floor lie the original flagstones from the early years of the Farm, previously laid outside as a former courtyard. By returning them to their original position, after being stored whilst the foundations of the EpiCentre were being constructed, the flagstones act as an example of recycling in building, and a homecoming for a piece of the Farm’s history.

The EpiCentre was built entirely by hand

 

Solar Gains

One of the unique principles within the EpiCentre’s design is its effective usage of ‘solar gains’. By facing south, the building gets maximum natural sunlight all year round, which not only reduces lighting costs but also is thought to be a healthier condition to work in. The glazed ‘greenspace’ at the front of the building acts as a buffer against external temperatures and acts as an air conditioning system.

In the summer, warm air rises in the greenspace and escapes out of the windows. This air movement pulls cool air in from the north facing windows of the building thus creating a cool environment. In winter sunlight heats up the air in the greenspace, which rises and travels through windows inside the EpiCentres. This air circulates and warms the building. Additional warmth is gained though energy efficient radiators placed at strategic points in the EpiCentre.

The combination of human, economic and environmental capital in building techniques allows equity, diversity, social improvement and regional development to remain in tune with the local community and surrounding area. This ultimately decreases the Environmental ‘footprint’ on the Earth’s resources, making the EpiCentres an example of ‘green’ sustainable design for everyone.

The Breathing Walls

The outer walls of the EpiCentres are constructed in such a way that they are both energy efficient and environmentally sustainable. The insulation within the walls is made of 100% recycled newspaper, coated in fire retardant materials called Gypsum and Boric Acid. Using sustainable renewable timber raw materials in the outer cladding minimises the building’s impact on the environment, and allows repairs to be made easily. The insulating materials of the breathing wall do not emit any CFC’s or other hazardous waste, such as Formaldehyde often found in normal buildings. They can also be disposed of safely and are even edible.
The amount of energy that the products used to install the walls as well as the insulation process itself are so low that once in use, the Breathing wall is the most energy efficient of insulated walls.

Compost Toilets

The Clivus composter is a low maintenance organic waste treatment system that uses natural biological decomposition to convert toilet wastes into a small amount of safe stabilised liquid and solid reusable compost. Solids reduce in 90/95% in volume.

Walter Segal Self Build

One of the simplest, most economical, adaptable and environmentally friendly methods of building. Modern and updated to use many of the standard materials available today, this method is based on traditional timber frames, clad in light, robust, adaptable walls, eliminating the need for wet trades like bricklaying and plastering. This makes it possible for both men and women of all ages and abilities, to work together and realise the building of their own home. The self-build method also allows the building to be designed and constructed to the occupant’s specific requirements, and is especially suitable for sites with steep sloping or poor quality ground conditions, with minimum damage to the surrounding landscape. The environmental footprint can be further reduced by building with environmentally friendly materials. The design also incorporates energy efficiency and natural insulation.
Minimum impact on the local area, and the overall travel cost of materials etc. i.e. local materials and stuff like that.
An example of sustainable development.

Turf Roof

Even the roof space has been utilised in an environmentally friendly manner. This will reduce storm water run off, absorb carbon dioxide, and provide insulation moderating temperatures by 4ºC in summer and winter. The roof is very aesthetically pleasing from a distance you would almost not know the building was there. It also acts as a habitat and wild flower meadow.

The roof is made from recycled car tyres like these	The Turf Roof

 

Reed Bed Drainage System

The Reed Bed treats all waste liquids from the EpiCentre. The common Reed (australis phragmites) planted in gravel pools develops bacterial colonies around the roots. The bacteria digest sewage, detergents etc.
Clean water is collected in a well and be used for watering the gardens . The system is self contained and does not overflow into the beck.

Thanks to Yorkshire Ecological Solutions for help with this Reed Bed http://www.yes-reedbeds.co.uk/

The reedbed drainage system	Close up on the reedbed