Case study: Ecoplus
Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick
Ecological principles were central to the thinking of Edinburgh-based architects Simpson & Brown in their choice of the building materials used at the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick [completed 2001]. The choice of Green Building Store's Ecoplus System windows and doors for the Centre was an important element of the architects' environment-conscious approach.
Measures have been taken to limit pesticide use in the construction of the Centre. Conventional timber treatments contain insecticides and/or fungicides which can harm the environment and create health problems. The Ecoplus System windows used in the Centre, manufactured by Green Building Store, are treated with boron, considered the safest and most environmentally-benign of all timber preservatives. In addition, the paints and finishes used on the Ecoplus System are all based on natural plant oils and contain no biocides.
The choice of Ecoplus System timber windows was also part of a conscious effort on the part of the Scottish Seabird Centre to avoid the use of PVC. PVC has been almost entirely avoided in the Centre, with copper being used instead for rainwater goods. Energy-efficiency was also a concern. Ecoplus System windows use low-E glazing which offers 60% greater thermal efficiency than ordinary double glazing, with an ultra-low U-value of 1.1w/m2k. Ecoplus' specifications easily surpass new U-value requirements in building regulations, which came into force in April 2002.
Architects: Simpson & Brown, Tel: 0131 555 4678, www.simpsonandbrown.co.uk
Contractors: Gleeson Group plc, Tel: 01620 890185
Clients: The Scottish Seabird Centre, The Harbour, North Berwick EH39 4SS, Tel: 01620 890202, Fax: 01620 890222, www.seabird.org