Lancaster University Engineering Building
Overview
The new building provides additional areas for future growth and recent new specialisms such as nuclear, energy and chemical engineering.
The two-winged development with a central atrium houses mechanical workshops and laboratories on the ground floor, electronics and chemical engineering on the first floor with levels three and four providing academic office space, study areas and meeting zones.
The inspirational working and learning environment is fitted with the latest, top-of-the-range equipment, workshops and laboratories with contemporary ‘live labs’, visible from the outside of the building.
The department also comprise extensive chemical engineering facilities, hydropower rigs and nuclear laboratories; and high quality research facilities for marine renewable energy, chemical engineering, manufacturing, micro/nano systems and terahertz.
The building was designed to achieve the new BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating to reflect industry benchmarks and to raise the bar for building efficiency in line with the University’s sustainability and carbon reduction targets.
Awards
BCI Award 2015
Project of the Year – Winner
RIBA North West 2015
Regional Award – Winner
RIBA North West 2015
Sustainability Award – Winner
46.3% Local workforce 
100% Waste recycling 
40/50 Considerate Constructors score
Key Challenges
Construction took place on the University campus and we have established robust measures to protect the safety of the staff, students and visitors. Full site segregation, security staffed entrance, debris netting and clear communication help ensure that construction activities can run smoothly alongside of the University’s normal operations. Site conduct standards reflect a positive learning environment and diverse student population.
The site was bound by a netball court, pathways and adjacent buildings. We developed robust logistics, access, delivery, noise control and site management plans in collaboration with the University to ensure safety and minimise disruption.
Added Value
We introduced a number of Cost Savings to the Building Life Cycle through introducing environmental and sustainable options. Proprietary internal cladding system to the service door locations was changed to a locally sourced timber product which contributed to the sustainability and BREEAM credits of the project.