The Swallowtails Centre
Project
The Swallowtail Centre is a flagship conservation and education facility at the University of East Anglia, designed to champion biodiversity and climate research. Inspired by the endangered Swallowtail butterfly, the project combines state-of-the-art labs, lecture spaces, and a biophilic atrium open to the public. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, the building integrates a rooftop greenhouse, blue roof system, and pollinator-friendly landscaping, creating a living, learning environment where architecture and ecology work in harmony.
Research
This research explores energy-efficient greenhouse design within Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), focusing on how roof shape and HVAC systems affect performance in cold climates. Three greenhouse forms, Vinery, Uneven Span and Quonset, were tested with three HVAC strategies using Autodesk Sefaira. Results showed that the Vinery roof, paired with a Water Source Heat Pump Fan Coils system, achieved the lowest energy use intensity, making it the most efficient choice. The findings highlight the need for climate-responsive design and directly informed the greenhouse strategy for my sustainable major study project.
