Swailes SuperLab - Osney Mead, Oxford

According to CEO, Robin Swailes, building design was a key consideration. The brief was to maximise sustainability through the use of innovative technology including energy capture via photovoltaic panels, vehicle recharging points and rainwater harvesting to achieve optimum sustainability ratings. The interior delivers a positive working environment, with an emphasis on fun, giving serious solutions for spirited science. There is a roof-top terrace and the canteen space features a replica London underground carriage.

The washroom design was very important; Director of Operations Peter Okros explains: "The laboratory design uses the entire roof as a rainwater catchment area which fills a 10,000L storage tank in the car parking area. The harvested water is filtered 3 times and then it’s pumped back into the toilets via a separate pipework system. 5 bar dynamic pressure is produced, which is more than enough to serve the cistern-less toilet systems chosen for the build." 

The rainwater capture system to flush the toilets is independent of the mains water supply, and helped the building to achieve an excellent EPC "A" rating. It is designed to operate all year round, providing a plentiful supply of water even in the height of summer. The flushed water discharges to a storm waste water soak away to complete the cycle.

DELABIE’s TEMPOMATIC Dual Control direct flush system is compatible with rain water, grey water and sea water, and is designed for intensive use in public buildings, making it the ideal choice for the SuperLab project. Most toilets flush with drinking water, the treatment of which requires substantial energy and resources. By using grey water to flush toilets, water treatment and supply costs can be significantly reduced.

Harnessing the system pressure, the TEMPOMATIC Dual Control WC flush valve connects directly to the water supply without the need for a cistern. The flush can be activated via a push-button on the control plate, or automatically when the user leaves. The "intelligent" automatic flush delivers either 3 or 6 litres per flush according to use, compared with the 12-litre flush from a toilet with a cistern, ensuring further water savings. The flush volume can also be reduced to 2L/4L to meet BREEAM and other environmental schemes.

The choice of cistern-less WCs that flush with rainwater means that both drinking water consumption and costs are reduced, providing a beautifully designed, innovative workspace that is entirely sustainable.