University of nottingham chemistry building12/22/2023 ![]() ![]() The striking design, by architect Fairhursts Design Group – with its ‘horns’ to assist ventilation in the laboratories – includes a solar photovoltaic (PV) array on the southern aspect, a north-facing grass roof and a communal winter garden.Īecom was the building services consultant on the project. Part funded by a £12m gift from GSK, the building occupies 4,500m 2 over two floors, and includes lab space for 150 researchers, dedicated instrument rooms, a teaching laboratory, offices and space for outreach activities. ![]() No blame was attached to the build process (an electrical fault in the temporary site supply was thought to be the culprit) and principal contractor Morgan Sindall has rebuilt it, largely using the same design. But in September 2014 – 52 weeks into an 84-week build – the centre was gutted by a huge blaze. Excess energy will produce enough carbon credits over 25 years to pay back the carbon used in construction, and is being used to heat a nearby office development. The energy required to run the laboratory is met by solar power and sustainable biofuel. As the name suggests, the £15.8m facility aims to be carbon neutral over its 25-year lifetime. The centre is the latest development by the University of Nottingham on its Jubilee Campus. Yet, the GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Carbon Neutral Laboratory for Sustainable Chemistry boasts a Breeam Outstanding rating for its environmental credentials, putting it in the top 1-2% of buildings. The awards jury were impressed with the commitment shown by the project team to challenging traditional notions of the building typology and bringing forward new thinking about the role and possibilities for a sustainable design approach.T hink of low-energy buildings – and space-age labs for generating the latest advances in chemistry may not spring to mind. Overhangs and deeply set windows are further design cues chosen to control the internal environment, adding to the distinctive aesthetic, yet remaining true to the philosophy of the project. The philosophy connecting building operation and aesthetic is also clearly expressed in the opening up of the laboratory environment, with clear views between spaces to aid collaboration and understanding of the processes within.Įxternally the laboratory volumes are clad in a combination of Western Red Cedar and single fired terracotta panels - both natural materials chosen for their low embodied energy. Internally the volume reveals itself as an unexpected and unique laboratory environment where the building processes and services are given full expression and allow a clear appreciation of the design approach.Ĭarbon reduction is also the primary consideration in the selection of construction materials and the use of timber technologies is given full visual expression in a similar way to the building form and services.īoth the timber frame and wall panelling are on view without extraneous finishing materials, again reinforcing the commitment to sustainable and accountable design decisions. The already hard-working roof goes on to embrace biodiversity by incorporating a green landscape and assisting rainwater attenuation. The undulating roof form is therefore a direct expression of sustainable design drivers. The resulting curved roof then combines the most advantageous angle for photovoltaic panels and incorporates a series of large openings driving natural light deep in to the plan form - both principles further reducing energy consumption. The distinctive volumetric form has its origin in the need for a highly-serviced laboratory space, but one which can be naturally ventilated. The result is a building that not only achieves BREEAM outstanding and LEED platinum awards, but perhaps more importantly signals how such an approach can directly inform architectural design and greatly enhance the user experience. The project demonstrates an unwavering focus on sustainability and challenges every aspect of the design and construction process. These words are an entirely apt description of the ambition for the project and what has been achieved through a deep collaboration between the client and design teams. 'This is bigger than just a building – it’s a whole philosophy'. The GSK Carbon Neutral Laboratories for Sustainable ChemistryĪwards RIBA East Midlands Award 2018, RIBA East Midlands Sustainability Award 2018 - sponsored by Geberit © Martine Hamilton-Knight ![]()
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