Foundation/Frame/Envelope
The reinforced concrete building’s main elevation features a floor-to-ceiling fully glazed public atrium, providing a focal point for the building’s users, who also have access to numerous breakout areas and a cafe.
Each floor offers flexible space including future expansion offices for growing businesses. The top floor features acoustically sound laboratories and workshops for prototypes, and a service goods lift is accessible from the exterior car park, which links to the existing infrastructure.
Site Challenges
Working in close proximity to the existing Technology Centre and other buildings on the Science Park, we held weekly meetings with the Science Park Management Team, to review current and forthcoming activities. Detailed phasing plans were produced in advance of major works to inform tenants of various phasing arrangements and restrictions. Disruptive activities were coordinated to take place outside of normal working hours to minimise disruption to existing businesses.
Services
Multiple air handling units provide tempered fresh air supply and extract to the facility along with specialist extract systems to fume cupboards. Ventilation systems were controlled through BMS and with air flow managed with Multi Blade Volume Control Dampers (MBVCD).
Laboratories had natural gas installations with automated safety shut-off and sub-metering arrangements. The building is heated by a combination of underfloor heating in common areas, trench heating and radiators to cellular spaces, and ceiling-mounted radiant panels in the workshop areas. LED lighting was installed throughout, as well as access control, data and Wi-Fi.
Environmental and Social Value
The project, which was delivered to BREEAM ’Very Good’ standards, employs low carbon technology including Photovoltaic panels along with an exposed concrete structure to reduce the energy demand in heating and cooling the building.
The scheme was used to provide three University of Wolverhampton students with work placements, with Clegg working with the university’s placement team to facilitate this.