Project Details.

Location: Middlesex, UK
Construction Value: £14,000,000
Client: Middlesex University
Architect of Record: BPR Architects

This innovative new science building contains two lecture theatres and two laboratory wings which is home to biomedical, psychology, computing science and sport related studies formerly situated in the Enfield campus and relocated to Middlesex University’s Hendon campus in 2009.

The site sat in a historically sensitive area surrounded by listed buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th century, and whilst the design of the building had to compliment its context, the conceptual design approach from the outset of the project was that it was to proudly reflect the cutting edge technological advancements which the building was intended to accommodate.

Conventional red brick and sandstone cladding (as found in the listed building  within the immediate context) are sensitively juxtaposed alongside frameless planar glazing, huge oversailing aluminum roof profiles and crisp white render, whilst the western red cedar rainscreen cladding introduces a natural element which aesthetically reflects the sustainable credentials of the building.

Achieving a BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating the design uses a mix of passive and renewable features, making up 20% of the buildings energy contributions. A series of passive and technological low and renewable energy solutions, result in a CO2 emissions reduction equivalent to approximately 30 tonnes per year. Renewable technologies including a ground source heat pump, combined heat and power system, solar hot water panels and a natural ventilation system have been used alongside passive features such as the siting of the building and maximisation of daylight.