Summary
This is an EU-funded project, one of 3 networked centres - the other project partners are Hamburg and Malmö - offering professional and vocational training in the field of sustainable and modern methods of construction. The building will act as a visitor centre, demonstrating the approaches that have been taken, as well as its main function as a training centre: it is the UK's centre of Vocational Excellence for Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).

Background
The aim of SmartLIFE is to mainstream MMC for sustainable and affordable housing by addressing barriers like public perception, and supply and demand. The project is based in Cambridge where 70,500 homes are needed over the next fifteen years. SmartLIFE's European partners are Malmö and Hamburg where similar growth area delivery issues exist. The project's main aims address three challenges of housing delivery in growth areas:

• Affordability
• Sustainability/energy efficiency
• Skills/capacity shortages in the construction industry

Implementation:
Four different Modern Methods of Construction were used for the business centre building:

• Timber frame open panel system inserted in a glulam structure
• Solid timber panels - structural boards
• Composite panel roofing
• Closed panel timber frame

The design and performance of the building are to be tested against Swedish and German environmental standards, and Constructing Excellence KPIs were used.

The primary use of the business centre is for the training of students in Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and sustainability. The training area of the centre includes space for whole houses as well as classrooms. It will also be used to promote MMC and sustainability to all relevant groups via a visitor centre and conference facilities.

Results:

• The building incorporates a number of renewable energy technologies, including solar thermal heating and a ground-source heat pump
• The building was designed to low U-values
• Passive solar heating - large glazed areas to let in natural daylight and heat
• Automatic lighting
• Tented roof over practical area - allows the use of natural daylight
• Natural ventilation
• Green Travel Plan
• Water reduction technology was included, as water consumption is a major issue in this very dry region
• Waste management is considered to be important throughout the building life cycle

  Further information is also available from www.smartlife-project.net

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