---

A new green community building named the Gamlingay Eco Hub has opened in East Anglia, UK.

---

The new hub has been created by renovating an old community centre. Bulk of the original structure of the building has been retained after the transformation. The new facility incorporates solar thermal, photovoltaic as well as heat pump technology. The windows of the building are angled to allow maximum natural light penetration during winter. The building also offers high-performance insulation system. 

The building meets its heating needs with installation of a ground source heat system and solar thermal system. The ground source heat system comprises pipes measuring 30 x 100m installed in the ground at the building rear. The solar thermal system makes use of solar panels on the low level roof. The high level roof of the building contains photovoltaic cells which convert light into electricity.

The hot water is stored in a 200ml energy tank. The tank allows water to be stored at varied temperatures and levels. The building also features a rainwater harvesting system to store water which is later recycled in its lavatories.

The old portion of the facility has been equipped with radiators whereas the new sections have incorporated underfloor heating. The large hall of the building has installed fan cooled units. The building is also built to regulate its own temperature inside and keep it stable irrespective of outside conditions.

The building features a large Light Catcher in the community room above the library and Solar sun pipes and roof lights in spaces devoid of windows. Its glass doors and large windows maximize natural light passage, reaping energy cost cuts. Further, all the roof lights and windows can be opened to offer fresh air circulation during warmer months.