Built by Turner & Townsend, the new BSRC is a 3,500 square metre research facility, which was completed in early 2012. The project entailed an outlay of £10.2 million ($16.34 million). The building consists of three floors of new biomedical science research labs and plant room located at roof level.
The new facility is linked to the two existing facilities of the university and houses laboratories for research in human immunity and microbial infection. Designed to offer environmental performance, lower energy consumption and lesser carbon footprint, the new BSRC has been designed by Boswell Mitchell Johnson Architects.
Offices and write up spaces of the building are naturally ventilated. Windows have been specifically sized to provided increased user control of openable windows with exhaust via a natural stack effect to wind catchers at roof level. Open Plan Laboratory areas utilise “free cooling” from external air out in peak summer months. High Efficiency variable speed chiller has been installed at the facility which utilises electro magnetic bearings. The unit uses only 60% of the energy required by a standard chiller operating on typical load and ambient profiles. Use of water-efficient fittings, appliances and controls further reduce water consumption.
The building has been positioned to maximise the benefit of natural shading from adjoining buildings during the peak summer months. To protect the more exposed elements of the building a brise soleil has been provided on the west elevation of the building to provide shading from the sun and improve comfort of building users. The building also employs PIR controls and daylight linking to reduce energy consumption from lights being left on.
The scheme was developed using a palette of responsible sourced materials, which include Green Guide ‘A’ rated materials, such as use of recycled glass in thermal insulation. Secure cycle storage and showers/lockers have also been provided for staff and visitors.
The new laboratory of the University is the first building in Scotland to win such high green accreditation and also the first laboratory across the UK to be awarded with BREEAM certification.
