Legacy

The Sainsbury Centre has been a pioneer of integrated design since its opening in 1978, combining architecture and engineering in a highly innovative building that maximised natural daylight and ventilation to reduce energy consumption. While these principles remain fundamental to the building today, significant advances in building performance and energy standards mean targeted upgrades are now required to support the University of East Anglia’s ambition of achieving a net-zero campus by 2045.

Strategy

The sustainability and building services strategy is centred on preserving the character of the Grade II* listed Sainsbury Centre while delivering a lowcarbon, resource-efficient and net-zero ready building. The proposals follow a fabric-first approach, reducing energy demand through improvements to the building envelope, airtightness, and solar control, supported by renewable
energy generation and water conservation measures.

Key Interventions

Key interventions include the refurbishment and upgrade of existing building services, retaining the visible elements of the building systems wherever possible to minimise impact on the building’s architectural character. Major upgrades include improvements to the gallery ventilation systems, modification to allow simultaneous heating and cooling in the Main Gallery, replacement or refurbishment of ageing air handling units and controls, installation of rooftop photovoltaic panels, implementation of rainwater harvesting for greywater use, and upgrades to water-efficient fixtures. Additionally, lift mechanisms will be upgraded to improve reliability of the machinery, controls and accessibility, whilst retaining their distinctive architectural character. Similarly, replacement lighting fixtures will be housed within like‑for‑like casings to retain the appearance of the existing system.

Together, these measures will dramatically improve the building’s environmental performance, operational resilience and occupant comfort, while safeguarding the world-renowned Sainsbury Collection.