Beaufort Project

 

Location: Sheffield, United Kingdom

Year: 2020-2021

Project Type: healthcare

'In healthcare design, architecture becomes more than form—it becomes a tool for healing. Every space must serve the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of patients, staff, and families alike.'

 

Site Analysis

 

 

The Beaufort Project is located in Sheffield, near the University of Sheffield. The site consists of two buildings, each with three primary entrances on the north façades, as well as an additional entrance on the west side providing access to the back garden.

Surrounded by a diverse range of buildings—including cultural, educational, residential, and religious facilities—the site also benefits from its proximity to public green spaces. It is well-connected, with convenient access on foot as well as via both public and private transport. Situated next to a main city road and just one minute from a bus stop, the area remains relatively quiet despite its closeness to the university and major roadways.

 

 

 

Micro Site Analysis

 

The micro-environment of the site has been meticulously analysed using a range of software tools, including Revit, to accurately assess the climatic conditions affecting the area. This analysis has revealed seasonal variations in wind patterns and sunlight exposure, which are critical for understanding the building’s environmental dynamics. During the winter months, the predominant wind direction is from the northwest. The wind pressure around the building peaks at 8 Pa, with the lowest pressure recorded at 7 Pa on the southern side. This variation in wind pressure is accompanied by an average wind speed of 1.5 m/s. The building’s positioning, along with the surrounding structures, likely influences these wind patterns, impacting thermal comfort and energy efficiency during colder months. In contrast, during summer, the prevailing wind direction shifts to the southwest. The wind pressure around the building shows a slight increase, with maximum readings of 6 Pa on the north side and a minimum of 5 Pa on the south side. Wind speed also rises, averaging 2.57 m/s, which may aid in natural ventilation and cooling. At this time of year, the building is fully exposed to sunlight, with extended daylight hours providing ample natural light and solar gain.However, in winter, the situation reverses, with shorter daylight hours resulting in the building being shaded for longer periods. The southern façades receive sufficient sunlight, which can be beneficial for passive heating, whereas the northern façades are more shaded, receiving significantly less light. This uneven distribution of sunlight highlights the importance of strategic façade design to optimise natural light and thermal performance throughout the year.

 

Overall, this comprehensive micro-environmental analysis underscores the need for careful architectural and environmental planning to enhance the building’s sustainability and occupant comfort across different seasons.

 

 

Existing Building Analysis

 

  • Well-being: Poor air quality and inadequate thermal comfort negatively impact occupants' mental and physical health, highlighting the need for improvements in indoor environmental quality.
  • Heating: The building relies on inefficient boilers, while south-facing windows lack proper shading, causing overheating in summer. Insufficient insulation leads to significant heat loss in winter, increasing energy consumption and costs.
  • Energy Demand: High energy consumption, a weak building envelope, and inefficient photovoltaic (PV) panels contribute to poor energy performance. Additionally, the building’s design does not optimise energy distribution based on orientation.
  • Ventilation: Small windows limit natural cross-ventilation, increasing reliance on mechanical systems and further raising energy demand.

Addressing these issues through a comprehensive retrofit strategy—focusing on thermal performance, energy efficiency, and indoor environmental quality—is essential to align the building with modern sustainability standards and enhance occupant comfort.


 

Want to Dive Deeper?
This sustainability project involved a range of environmental analyses and performance simulations that guided every design decision. If you're curious to learn more about the process, data, and tools used to reach the final outcome, feel free to

 

in collaboration with Anushka Singla, Miles Gao, Wenjin and Samuel