Eric Wright Construction, a division of the Eric Wright Group, has commenced work on an ultra low noise science facility.
Situated at Lancaster University, the £2m IsoLab project comprises three underground laboratory spaces totalling 176.5sqm where vibration, noise and electromagnetic disturbance will be drastically reduced to provide an ultra-clean experimental environment.
The controlled standards will be unique to Lancaster and will enable world-leading advanced instrumentation and measurement capabilities in a range of scientific fields.
Due for completion in autumn 2016, the single-storey underground facility is being constructed in steel-framed brick clad with curtain walling to the end elevations.
IsoLab will be embedded in the ground and separated from other University buildings to ensure that each of the 50-tonne experimental platforms are as isolated as possible from the surrounding environment.
The building, designed by ADP Architects, will provide space for teams of researchers in optics, nanoscience, encryption tools and extremely low temperatures. It will also be used by students, academics and industrial partners.
Professor Mark E. Smith, vice-chancellor of Lancaster University, said: “This unique facility will provide a world-beating environment for modern quantum technology and provide support for this field not only for the University, but also for the North West and beyond.”
John Wilson, managing director at Eric Wright Construction, added: “This is such a unique project. IsoLab is a world first and will push the boundaries for future scientific achievements within a setting that has been designed and constructed to facilitate world-class research, so we’re very proud to be delivering the building.
“Eric Wright Construction is well versed in delivering specialist laboratories and we’re excited to be working closely with the University to bring forth our expertise to this scheme.”
