Delivered on time, in budget, whilst scoring 9/10 for customer satisfaction, the new Molecular Sciences Building is breaking new boundaries in transformative research space, serving as a world-class hub for the School of Chemistry, whilst providing facilities for the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences.
The first of four phases, this building’s inherent ‘built-in’ flexibility is critical for its integration into the masterplan for the University – this building has been designed for seamless connectivity to the remaining phases with continuous floor plates, co-ordinated services and infrastructure and an attractive and connected landscape.
By using an integrated Digital Construction strategy that used tools like BIM, Gamma AR, Oculo AI and Leica Scanning, the team were able to ensure project accuracy in construction, with a full digital twin handed over to the customer on completion to enable detailed operation and maintenance right down to the asset data for an individual light bulb fitting.
Using our carbon calculator tool CarboniCa, we were able to model design choices, showing the customer the impact of decisions on both carbon and cost in real time. This helped adaptations that saved 394 tCO2e on the project. This BREEAM Excellent Building also has a host of renewables to reduce its impact over the long term, including a PV array, air source heat pump, PIR lighting and smart BMS systems.
The project also made a huge impact locally with over £50 million of social value delivered locally – this included 12 work experience placements, 1,059 apprentice weeks, and over £11,000 and 312 volunteer hours donated to community projects.
Three Winning Facts:
- Meeting all Constructing Excellence KPI’s – on time, in budget, 10/10 satisfaction
- 394t CO2e saved during construction
- £50 million of social value generated for the local community
