Said to be the first large-scale, purpose-built facility of its kind in the UK, the 8,700 square metre SCRM is located in the South East of Edinburgh. Built in partnership between Scottish Enterprise, the University of Edinburgh, NHS Lothian and Alexandria Real Estate Equities, the facility delivers commercial outcomes from the world-class medical research being undertaken in the University of Edinburgh and at NHS Lothian.
The state-of-the-art SCRM’s internal form mimics a ‘pebble in a pond’ effect with smaller, darker spaces, such as the cell culture rooms, which are positioned in the centre of the building while laboratory spaces are positioned in the middle. Allowing natural ventilation and lighting, the write-up spaces are located next to the outer walls.
Designed with sustainable layouts, the building has achieved BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating through the choice of materials, active and passive sustainable systems and an efficiency of design and detailing. Approaching sustainability, the facility includes plant on the mezzanine floor within the middle of the building, which has reduced service runs as well as simplified connections of the complex service requirements of the lab building.
Ensuring maximum natural light and local cooling and ventilation externally, the facility features large openable windows at the ground and first floor. To minimise heat gain from the sun, the facility also features glazed screens that are augmented with vertical fixed louvres or fins.
Active sustainability systems include rainwater recycling and a ground source heat pump, powered by the photovoltaic panels on the roof to reduce energy consumption within the building. The building delivers a 22% reduction in carbon emissions against industry benchmark figures while 76% of its energy is contributed from renewable sources.
Complementing the environment, the cantilevered laboratory is clad in aluminium fins, which enhance visual effect as well as maximise the views of the surrounding landscape and minimise solar gains.
The New Laboratory Award recognises laboratories for sustainability, safety and success.
