Studious attention to air quality, sound, lighting and materials has earned the Huddersfield University scheme the UK’s first ever Platinum certification for wellbeing in a higher education building
Design strategies focused on human health and wellbeing helped the University of Huddersfield’s Jo Cox More in Common Centre to gain the UK’s first ever WELL Platinum certification for a higher education building.
The 900m2 amenity building, designed by architect Bond Bryan and located on the university's Queensgate campus, provides staff and students of different faiths and backgrounds with a space for prayer, reflection and learning.
Spread over two storeys, it features a community space, a congregational hall, separate male and female Muslim prayer rooms, ablution facilities, christian and multi-faith rooms, and a chaplain’s office.
Design principles and features were developed both to reflect aspects of spirituality, worship and mindfulness, and to improve the health and wellbeing of occupants in line with the human-centred WELL building standard.
Daylight simulations carried out during design and construction helped to identify measures needed to optimise daylight levels for building users, with enhanced exposure linked to better sleep quality and healthy functioning of the circadian rhythm. An operable shading system can be adjusted by users for comfort.
The lighting layout and light fixtures were designed to stay within luminance thresholds, and reduce glare associated with eye strain, headaches and uncomfortable work conditions.
In a bid to improve thermal comfort, the scheme has thermal zoning, with thermostats distributed according to floor size and occupancy, to give occupants control over the thermal conditions.
Radiant heating systems, generally considered more effective for overall thermal comfort, are built into flooring, walls or ceiling spaces. Sensors measure thermal comfort parameters and the data can be accessed online by occupants and used by building managers and operations teams to fine tune performance.
Excessive noise can impede cognition and learning and has been linked to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Potential sources of noise disturbance in the building were identified in a design plan, which informed the layout and use of spaces. For example, spaces for concentration are located further away from social areas.
HVAC systems with lower sound ratings were specified and interior furnishings and other measures block and absorb sound and reduce reverberation. Walls and doors provide at least a minimum degree of acoustic separation and resilient floors cut levels of noise radiation.
Turning to air quality, all paints, coatings and sealants were tested to meet established volatile organic compounds (VOC) thresholds. Furniture, low VOC interior and architectural products were chosen and the building was constructed with non-hazardous materials wherever possible.
Ventilation systems, which have been improved to filter pollutants more effectively, and data from air quality testing and monitoring, will fine tune their operation. Opening windows throughout most of the building improve ventilation and help alleviate the build-up of air pollutants.
Efforts to promote better mental health and wellbeing include design strategies that put an emphasis on adding nature into spaces, including natural materials and indoor plants. Workspace is oriented to provide exterior views of nature.
The centre exceeds standard accessibility regulations to ensure this site is accessible to all individuals, regardless of background or ability. These universal design principles address infrastructure, signage and technologies.
Physical activity levels can improve health and wellbeing and the building prioritises the use of stairs, which are all signed and positioned to encourage their use. Ergonomic workstations include active/sit-stand workstations and those allowing for the customisation of monitors, chairs, and work surface height, helping protect against musculoskeletal disorders.
Design elements such as plants, overhangs, and mixed building textures on the exterior walls aim to enhance the pedestrian environment to encourage outside activity.
Ongoing efforts to monitor building performance include an annual occupant survey to collect feedback on health, wellbeing and satisfaction, with a particular focus on WELL strategies.