Project Title: Beatson Cancer Research Facility
Client: University of Glasgow and Cancer Research UK
Project Value: £10m
Hulley contact: Simmy Telfer
The award-winning Beatson Cancer Research Facility, located at Glasgow University’s Garscube Estate, is one of Cancer Research UK’s core-funded institutes. The aspiration for the building was to create the successful delivery of a world-class research arena that will attract the best research scientists from around the world.
The project was constructed in four horizontal floor layers to accommodate seminar rooms, a lecture theatre, social areas and laboratories. In total, Beatson houses 240 world-class researchers.
With a view towards programme and construction costs, the structural solution was decided as a steel frame with a composite floor. The use of Fabsec/cell-form beams required an intensive co-ordination exercise to design the M&E services within the ceiling void whilst striving towards a regular/modular solution and providing an installation that would prove flexible and which would support changes in accommodation use as research requirements develops.
Due to the construction of the external envelope being almost entirely glazed, extensive modeling of the façade was undertaken by the Design Team to maximize natural daylight into the laboratories and ensure strict temperature controls are adhered to.
The idea of visibility continued throughout the building and tall vertical windows were installed, going against the norm of traditional glazing.
The energy conservation strategy for the project was developed and analysed and a comprehensive Energy Study was initiated at various milestones. Full and detailed in-house thermal simulation studies took place and low energy solutions were developed such as; a condensing LTHW boilerplant, free-cooling chillers, variable speed drives to pumps and fans, heat recovery air systems including VAV air systems in parts. Occupancy sensors were used for the control of heating and ventilation systems, as well as artificial lighting. High efficiency light fittings were employed throughout. Automatic control with a DCC Building Management System eliminates energy wastage and monitors energy consumption, performance and faults. An acoustic study was commissioned and completed to advise the design of the M&E services which would adversely impact on the building’s neighbours.
A ‘Very Good’ BREEAM Rating was awarded to the Beatson Institute - the maximum possible within the limitations set by the function and siting of the building.
“The project engineering services as designed and delivered by Hulley & Kirkwood have fulfilled the client brief in a number of key areas, by:
• Complying with the University’s Sustainability brief. This allowed the Team to achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘Very Good’ for the new Laboratory facility which included key items such as a green specification approach to all key elements, energy saving devices and a BMS controlled environment.
• Matching the expenditure and budget for the services design and implementation, to provide cost certainty on the services engineering elements, providing value for money and risk aversion on this element of work.
• Contributing to the testing and commissioning function to obtain the best possible outcome, in preparation for handover and occupation of the new facility.
As well as these key areas of technical support, Hulley & Kirkwood acted in a professional and client-focused manner throughout the project, and maintained the same members of staff on the project (duration 5 years) providing the client with continuity and good working relationships, which benefited the project delivery."
Mary Beaton, Project Coordinator at Glasgow University
