SE Controls has been contracted to provide the installation and commissioning of the adaptive natural ventilation system for the Berrill Building Open University in Milton Keynes.

The system will regulate temperature and air quality with minimal expenditure of energy.

The Berrill building redevelopment was to construct an additional 7500m2 area that will provide a visitor reception and conference facilities, including exhibition space, café and 250-seat lecture theatre constructed within an existing BBC television studio. However, its main function is to provide office space for 450 people in three departments: academic administration, the Institute of Educational Technology and the Knowledge Media Institute.


The design and construction of the build was always to provide a low energy space incorporating passive systems and optimising natural daylight.

The project is naturally ventilated operating in 33 zones comprising of 226 TGCO 2420 chain actuators throughout the development, with each zone equipped with one OS2 Control Panel to operate the automatic opening vents. Window opening is a mix of low-level manual and automatic high-level control, which can be overridden by occupants, via open and close switches. A night-cooling strategy controls the high-level ventilation.

The importance of clean fresh air at a comfortable temperature cannot be overstated. A proven method of reducing ‘sick building syndrome’ is by ensuring fresh, clean air is delivered into the building. This will have a positive effect on our everyday lives, helping to produce a stimulating environment for work and education. Fresh cool air also has the benefit of eliminating the need for air conditioning, one of the largest culprits of energy use in commercial buildings.