Located on the University of Nottingham’s Sutton Bonington campus, the Bioenergy and Brewing Science Building is a 3400 m2 new development comprising a variety of accommodation requirements relating to four component groups; BioEnergy (BEC), Food Technology, an external Brewing Company and Brewing Sciences.
- Location:
- Nottinghamshire
- Services:
- Budget:
- £7m
- Client:
- The University of Nottingham
- Size:
- 3,400 m2 GIA
- Awards:
- See below
- Sector:
- Education - Higher
Research & Laboratories
The building comprises research and teaching laboratories, a food sciences hall, nano and pilot brewery areas, plus staff and post graduate student offices. The Universityʼs School of Biosciences, division of food sciences and an external brewing company are co-located within the Bioenergy & Brewing Science Building.
The centre provides a focal point for the University’s development of sustainable Bioenergy fuels, exploring new technologies that could provide replacements to fossil fuels. It is designed to minimise energy in use as well as utilise sustainable materials in its construction and enhance the ecology of the site.
Materials include prefabricated glulam timber beams, stainless steel cladding, along with a copper roof which visually connects and relates the building to its functionality.
The design is highly insulated and utilises thermal mass to moderate temperature fluctuations. Principal heating demand is provided by a Biomass boiler.
The building includes a dramatic metal curved roof south wing with a laminated timber structure. This interlocks, and contrasts with, a simple brick clad three storey north wing. A landscaped lake wraps around the building, forming both a valuable wildlife habitat and helping to manage rainwater.
The development includes the extension of an existing lake, the ecology of which had to be evaluated for planning purposes. During construction, the ecology was monitored and relocated and was reinstated upon completion.
Awards
LABC Best Education Development – Winner
Achieved BREEAM Excellent rating
Having watched the construction grow over the last year we’ve all been excited to finally move in and take advantage of the new space.
Everybody has appreciated the look and feel of the building which is going to be a real asset in publicising our work and encouraging further engagement with the business and academic community. It’s a real help when the space works for you and the exterior design is a real bonus.
Dr Jerry Avis
Project Manager Food and Biofuel Innovation Centre
