Case Studies > LEED

Millers Yard Student Accommodation, Pembroke College, Cambridge

About	New development for Pembroke College, Cambridge University, 80 student units in 3 x 4-storey blocks, total of 3,350 m² floor area. Balancing conservation constraints with contemporary performance standards.
By	Joshua Cunningham, Energy Digest
Location	Cambridge, England
Category	EPC, Part L
Highlights	DesignBuilder used to model Part-L compliance and inform design decisions. Sunpath studies helped optimise window placement and façade treatments, ensuring daylight access while limiting summer gains and supporting early conversations with planners and stakeholders. Modelling helped justify the use of ASHPs and MVHR systems.

Project Overview

Millers Yard forms part of a new development at Pembroke College, Cambridge, delivering modern student accommodation within a historic academic setting. Comprising three four-storey blocks, the scheme provides 80 self-contained student units and associated workspace, with a total gross internal floor area of just over 3,350 m². Set within the sensitive urban grain of central Cambridge, the project needed to carefully balance conservation constraints with contemporary performance standards.
 
Project Objectives

From the outset, the brief focused on delivering a high-performing, comfortable living environment for students, while meeting the regulatory requirements of Part L 2013. The College placed particular emphasis on thermal stability during exam periods and busy term times, recognising the role that building conditions play in student wellbeing. Alongside this, Pembroke College was looking to futureproof its new accommodation by achieving strong energy credentials, setting EPC 'A' as the target for each block.         

Role of Modelling

DesignBuilder was used to model compliance and inform design decisions. Its SBEM integration and 3D visual tools made it a practical choice for this multi-block scheme. While the primary aim was to confirm Part L compliance, the model also supported the design team in testing HVAC options and visualising solar access and shading. Sun path studies helped optimise window placement and façade treatments, ensuring daylight access while limiting summer gains. These visuals also supported early conversations with planners and stakeholders.Modelling was used not only to demonstrate compliance but also to support the rationale behind proposed design choices. The simulation outputs helped justify the use of ASHPs and MVHR systems, showing how the design could meet emission targets without compromising on comfort.  

Methodology

The process began with a detailed review of the latest architectural plans, which were marked up in Bluebeam. Key data such as floor areas, window dimensions and zone usage were extracted and compiled in Excel to streamline the modelling process and reduce reliance on default inputs.The MEP strategy had already been agreed during technical design, which meant the models could reflect actual system specifications from the outset. Centralised air-source heat pumps were used to provide space heating and domestic hot water, with mechanical ventilation systems incorporating heat recovery units achieving around 80% efficiency. Lighting systems were designed to exceed minimum efficacy requirements, supported by occupancy controls.Final models were lodged through Elmhurst Energy, with data carefully cross-checked against specification documents to ensure consistency.

Performance 

Each block met Part L requirements comfortably, with BER values approximately 30–35% below TER. U-values were consistently well below limiting standards, with external walls as low as 0.14 W/m²K and glazing achieving 1.2 W/m²K. Air permeability testing showed results around 2.0 m³/h·m² at 50 Pa.Lighting loads remained low, and no active cooling was required in student areas. PV arrays contributed from 13–19 kWh/m²/year across the blocks, reducing grid reliance and improving the BER margin.Predicted regulated energy use ranged between 54 and 61 kWh/m²/year, with major estimated carbon savings annually across the development.

Delivery and Outcomes

There were no major modelling obstacles. Coordination with the MEP team and early input meant the design matched the model from the outset. Dividing the project into three models presented some additional administrative work, but a consistent approach kept this manageable. The modelling also supported smoother approvals by providing clear, evidence-based performance outputs.

As part of the handover, key simulation outputs were provided to the facilities management team to support commissioning and inform ongoing operational decisions. Post-occupancy evaluation is now underway, with early data being monitored to benchmark actual performance against modelled predictions.

The project demonstrated the value of integrating energy modelling early in the design process. Rather than being used as a compliance check at the end, the model helped guide key decisions, supporting a smooth compliance path and ensuring that design intent translated into operational efficiency.

About the author Energy Digest provides a range of Building Regulations compliance and consultancy services to the UK property and construction industries. They have experience in Part L Building Regulations, Dynamic Simulation Modelling and Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), with a cooperative team of fully licensed professionals positioned across the country. Website: www.energydigest.co.uk Email: info@energydigest.co.uk Contact number: 01206 670 278