University Plans Greenest Building in Portsmouth
Plans just submitted for a new 12-storey teaching block on the site of the old Victoria Swimming Baths set the bar for new development in the city. If it gets built as currently proposed, it will provide an excellent example of the standards we all need to be striving for, as we develop our properties.
Why So Green?
It is a difficult site - opposition will come from those worried about shadows in Victoria Park and the University itself wanted a statement building that meets the changing needs of educators, but obviously cannot afford a 20 or 30 storey building given the challenges all such institutions face post Covid.
What they have come up with is a great effort - at just 12 storeys with a large hole in the middle to allow as much light in and through as possible, with an irregular shaped roof to maximise the sunward facing solar panels, it will be 'all electric' with cooling and base heat provided by bore holes drilled into the aquifer below and a light weight construction to minimise total concrete and thus reduce build costs, it should also be cheap to run once complete.
About the author
Martin began his landlord journey 18 years ago, while working in an international role for a global telecommunications company. Since retiring he has extended his portfolio, which he manages with his wife, but has always focussed on the ‘small student HMO’ sector preferring to offer homes in the community for small groups to the more common ‘pack them in and take the money’ mentality. He has chaired the PDPLA for the past 9 years and has overseen the Associations transition from small local self-help group to a much larger and more professional institution which is recognised and listened to nationally. Alongside his PDPLA role, he also has leadership roles in a number of other local organisations – bringing his unique perspective, driving for change and increased use of technology while respecting the history that brought us here.