Life and Mind Building.

We developed a project-specific sustainability strategy following our five capitals approach to reduce energy consumption while promoting health and wellbeing for occupants. The project adhered to Passivhaus principles to ensure a super low-energy building that meets all regulatory energy targets and the client’s sustainability aspirations. This includes enhanced façade thermal performance, air tightness, system efficiency, and user comfort strategies.

We committed to local planning requirements of a 40% carbon reduction on Part L, the government regulations on the conservation of fuel and power, with the use of district heating, heat pumps, and photovoltaic (PV) panels, reducing the typical consumption associated with traditional large-scale science and research buildings. The systems were designed with thermal comfort, air quality, materials (VOCs), water quality, acoustic comfort, controls, exercise, biophilia, and natural light as key drivers.

The building features a range of multi-functional spaces adaptable to different user groups and sizes. We designed flexibility into the core and distribution routes, allowing internal spaces to be reconfigured if requirements change in the future. This includes a mixture of laboratory types, lecture theatres, seminar rooms, offices, workshops, cafés, and a full-height central atrium.

Within the Experimental Psychology areas, we ensured the specialist low-noise suites could operate down to noise rating NR25 to meet requirements for various psychological tests. We worked on temperature controls for specialist growth facilities in the Plant Sciences department such as constant environment rooms (temperature and humidity control), cold rooms, growth chambers, and roof-level glasshouses to support their research. Future resilience is ensured by the inclusion of a state-of-the-art book store and herbarium.

We provided multidisciplinary services for this project since 2018, including MEP, Acoustics, Fire Engineering, Intelligent Buildings, Lighting Design, Security, Sustainability, Vertical Transportation, Engineering Visualization, and Business Support. We took an innovative, digital-first approach to this project, utilising digital tools and engaging with BIM360 standards at a project-wide level, sharing designs with architects, structural engineers and our contractors. We engaged with contractors early on to develop a Design for Manufacturing (DfMA) strategy, allowing for seamless production of the construction-coordinated BIM model and reducing time and costs associated with traditional development. We developed automated schematics and schedules early to facilitate efficient delivery of relevant packages prior to procurement.

We reused elements from an existing chemistry teaching facility, requiring complex coordination for the fitment of new flues, containment compromise, and the decommissioning and recommissioning of fans with corresponding fume hoods. We established early-stage collaboration with the contractor to coordinate many specialist design packages, developed through comprehensive requirement specifications that formed part of the tender process. We worked alongside the contractor to establish processes that de-risked ambitious passivhaus, energy, and carbon targets to ensure successful delivery.

We made the case for Passivhaus requirements early in the design process by getting specific performance targets included as enhancements to the notional building. We then kept an ongoing oversight of the design process and evaluated the impact of required changes. We Introduced a continuous thermal envelope which encouraged a simple building form and layout be designed to improve insulation. Air tightness was ensured with triple glazing and enhanced fabric performance and the façade design was optimised for solar gains in winter and solar shading in summer.

We approached the project with a culture of open communication, empowering our team to engage beyond the construction project team and connect with external groups. Our Security team liaised directly with the University, while our Fire Engineering group communicated with insurers. MEP engineers collaborated with the architect regarding plant requirements, and the Acoustics team worked closely with planners on noise restrictions. A proactive approach to changes introduced as client requirements matured through design and construction stages allowed for flexibility in the design to accommodate specific user needs. Championing this inclusive culture enabled well-coordinated responses to be communicated swiftly to the client, overcoming many challenges typically faced by large teams in a fast-changing environment, ultimately leading to a more enjoyable experience and successful delivery of the project.