University of Hertfordshire: School of Life and Medical Sciences Building

Capita was appointed to provide building and engineering services for the new state of the art 8900 square metre four storey science building which forms the centrepiece of the University of Hertfordshire’s campus.

The building has cat 2 labs, chemistry and pharmaceutical labs as well as teaching and computer labs. Some of the most sensitive specialist scientific equipment such as the NMR, Confocal microscope and RAMAN are housed in the new facility.

This new science building has replaced the outdated CP Snow building, providing students and faculties with high quality accommodation and research technologies. It brings together laboratories and groups currently scattered across the College Lane Campus and off-site at the Meridian House.

The key drivers and project criteria were to improve space utilisation, flexibility; reduce running costs and future proof service zones, all of which are in support of enhancing the learning and research activities and enhancing the student and staff experience.

Capita’s building services team designed the mechanical and electrical systems using BIM in conjunction with multiple design disciplines. The success of the BIM delivery was underpinned by regular exchange of information between the design team and regular BIM updates.

Ventilation systems, which occupy considerable space, were installed on the roof to maximise internal space and to minimise the coordination required within the building.

Overall, these decisions helped to achieve the University’s aspirations for column-free floor plates to provide clear lines of sight in the primary teaching laboratories and support future space flexibility. High security features were also included in the design of the building to ensure maximum safety for staff and equipment.