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Image Credit: Countryside Properties (UK) Ltd
Market Street, Bracknell

Phased redevelopment of former bus depot into high quality residential accommodation and 2,699 sqm of commercial floorspace. Other associated works include landscaping, car parking and cycle storage.

SRE completed a Microclimate Analysis for the proposed development to ascertain the impact on pedestrian comfort in respect to wind velocity. As part of this, a transient Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) wind study was performed analysing wind directions for different seasons throughout the year to provide a robust study against the Lawson Comfort Criteria (LCC).

Working closely with the client, SRE’s building physics specialists suggested amendments to proposed designs and solutions to mitigate any potential climate concerns.

Read more about Market Street

The Microclimate Analysis supported the planning application for the proposed redevelopment at Market Street, Bracknell – in which the former bus depot will be transformed into a mixed-use development delivering commercial space and residential units across four separate blocks. The analysis studied the wind microclimate around Market Street and was modelled using state-of-the-art 3D simulation software. The models were created based on information, drawings and site survey data of both the proposed development and the existing surrounding buildings.

12 wind directions were assessed to provide a robust study of the microclimate conditions generated by the proposed development. Four scenarios were assessed:

  1. The existing site with existing surrounding buildings
  2. The proposed development with existing surrounding buildings
  3. The proposed development with existing and future surrounding buildings
  4. The proposed development with mitigation measures

All scenarios were analysed against normalised hourly weather data during winter and summer seasons to provide a thorough comparison against the LCC – the UK’s industry standard tool to determine which wind speeds are suitable for different pedestrian activities.

Based on SRE’s findings for each scenario, the results indicated mitigation measures would be required. To further develop measures, Mitigation Workshops were also held to enhance the detailed design and site landscaping strategy. SRE worked with the client and recommended a number of solutions including trees in various shapes and sizes and balustrades for worst-case scenarios. Wind barriers were also suggested in the form of wooden fence panels and glazing. To ensure a thorough analysis was completed, SRE’s building physics consultants studied the Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL) – the terrain roughness approaching the site. This is because average wind speeds increase with distance from the ground and this, along with turbulence, can have significant impacts on wind profiles around buildings.

SRE’s dataset was based on historic weather data calculated using hourly averages from a nearby weather station. This enabled SRE to calculate a suitable approximation of the prevailing wind conditions, the frequency and average wind speed in each direction.

Client:

Countryside Properties (UK) Ltd

Main Contractor:

tbc

Architect:

Outerspace

Testimonial:

We have worked with SRE on numerous projects over the past two years and have found their knowledge and expertise to be both broad and useful. SRE's early input has assisted in developing solutions to the problems faced in environmental assessments and compliance. We have found the personnel at SRE to be very approachable and helpful offering advice and assistance where required. We would have no hesitation in recommending their services.
Callum Monks, Development Manager, Countryside Properties (UK) Ltd