PDSA Petaid Hospital, Plymouth

The scheme has been designed to meet the BREEAM Excellent standard and incorporates Solar pre-heat and PV panels, Rainwater recycling and Air Source Heat Pumps.

The high density of heat sources in PetAid centres (people, animals and equipment) mean that the buildings tend to overheat. Traditionally, large amounts of energy would be expended providing mechanical cooling to solve this problem but a sophisticated ventilation system will redistribute heat to other parts of the building that require it, and excess heat will be used in the hot water system. This significantly reduces both the carbon footprint and the running costs of the building.

The building is split in two with the public side facing the car park and the clinical side behind. The two sections of the building are joined through a central corridor with roof lights to bring natural day light into the heart of the building.