Retrofit Talks is a webinar series platforming architects and product manufacturers to discuss completed or ongoing retrofit projects.
Part of Retrofit 24, these talks give a voice to built environment professionals, allowing them to detail in their own words the process, challenges and outcomes of their projects. Connecting people, allowing for cross country dialogue, Retrofit Talks gives the audience the opportunity to learn from our presenters and ask questions in the Q&A. If you have ever wondered about the process behind a building join us for these lunch time sessions and have your queries answered.
Ecological Building Systems (EBS) worked closely with specifiers refurbishing the Entopia Building on behalf of the Cambridge Institute for Sustainable Leadership (CISL). Developing a robust internal wall insulation and airtightness product strategy for the building, formerly a 1930’s telephone exchange and now, CISL's HQ and hub for their global network.
Situated in the centre of the city of Cambridge’s conservation area, any changes to the building had to respect it’s architectural heritage but also, be capable of meeting the contemporary challenges posed by climate change and the UK’s move towards Net Zero.
EBS’s fabric first approach met the challenge. The walls were insulated internally with EBS’s Retro EcoWall®, which combines eco- friendly materials such as cork lime and natural wood fibre, promoting energy efficiency. The roof top open area features solar panels and the addition of triple glazing performs a dual role of further enhancing the energy efficiency of the building and creating a more welcoming atmosphere.
It is for these reasons and more, that the project has achieved a BREEAM Standard 90% design stage certificate and it has received the EnerPHit Classic Certification. Neil Turner, Technical Sales Manager at EBS delivers this session along with Mark Martines, Senior Architect at Architype, who were involved in the Entopia Building Project.
- Neil Turner (Technical Sales Manager- Ecological Building Systems)
- Mark Martines (Senior Architect- Architype)
Neil has a wealth of experience in the natural insulation sector, with fourteen years experience in the manufacture of Warmcel Cellulose fibre. His technical expertise has led him to be involved in a number of technical approval bodies, this included him developing CEN (Comité Européen de Normalisation) European standards.
Mark joined Architype in 2012 and is an expert in fabric first, low energy and low carbon design with direct experience in various sectors including residential, healthcare and education. Most recently he was lead architect on a 10,000sqm new build Passivhaus secondary school project in Sutton and he played a key role in the delivery of The Entopia Building, an Enerphit refurbishment of an office building for Cambridge University.
