Daylighting: Natural Light in Architecture

Orchard Learning and Resource Centre

Architect Ahrends Burton and Koralek (ABK)

Engineer Ove Arup and Partners

Client Selly Oak Colleges, Cadbury Trust

The Orchard Learning and Resource Centre
at Selly Oak contains a large library facility,
with associated administrative offices and
secure rooms for book storage, built in 1995
using a design and build contract, with
contractor Tilbury Douglas.
The brief for the environmental design was
written by Arups, who were responsible for
the structural and environmental design, also
thermal analysis, and after discussions with the
architect, for the daylighting strategy and
window design.
The strategy adopted resulted in a passive
solar building with natural ventilation, with
the elimination of an overall air-conditioning

system, with the exception of certain critical

areas. The daylighting strategy was designed

to reduce the use of energy as far as possible.

The form of the building seen in the

accompanying plans consists of three

interlinked modules, with a linear skylight

running the full length of the building, giving

daylight through to the ground floor by what

might be described as an atrium. The building

is on an east/west axis. The critical south

elevation is mastered by an existing row of

deciduous trees, which provide desirable solar

shading during the summer months, whilst

allowing maximum sunlight through in the

winter.

The library open plan areas are naturally

ventilated and receive daylight both from the

side windows and the central atrium. The

projecting bays at first floor level provide very

attractive study areas on the north side of the

building. What is most important is that there

is an overall environment of daylight during

the day, giving the building its special quality.

118 Daylighting: Natural Light in Architecture

Sketch section to show ventilation system, with windows and Sketch section through the atrium

skylight

ABK ABK