University of York’s Department of Chemistry is expanding it’s teaching and research capacity based on it’s excellent reputation, covering all aspects of chemistry, at this attractive University.

In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (2008) York Chemistry was placed in the top echelon of all UK chemistry departments. It is ranked 4th in the Guardian 2011 league table & the Times Good University Guide 2011 and 5th in the Independent 2011 league table. The Department won the Athena Swan Gold award in 2007, and this was renewed in 2010. A number of chemistry staff have also been awarded international prizes.

Over the past five years there has been a 100% growth in the number of undergraduate applicants, significantly outperforming the national chemistry statistics.

These successes have led to major building developments and the construction of this significant new 2,685m² research building to accommodate about 100 researchers.

Plans are also being prepared for a new undergraduate teaching laboratory complex.

The proposed facility will be assessed under BREEAM Bespoke 2008 for laboratories and is on course to achieve a Very Good rating.

A total of 78 fume cupboards will be served by a central VAV supply and exhaust air system.

A collaborative procurement approach is delivering the project based on an incentivised target cost principle.

Against severe competition, Austin demonstrated quality, expertise, experience and value with an in-house multidisciplinary approach which gained the confidence of the University to award this prestigious project to The Austin Company.

Austin is working with The University of York to develop the user requirements for the expansion of the existing Chemistry facility. Preliminary Design commenced in January 2011. Detailed design is currently underway to develop a range of laboratory, write up and office facilities. The planning consent will result in an expansion to complement the existing building with matching external appearance. The Austin Method® enables a start on site to be made in April 2011 with hand over in mid February 2012.

A coordinated aesthetic solution is proposed for the central chemistry laboratories.

The development provides three floors of teaching and research laboratory facilities, laboratory support and office space with roof top plant room.

Energy saving considerations are at the forefront of the project. The design is being developed to comply with BREEAM and Building Regulations Part L2A 2010.

The target air tightness for L2 compliance is 4m³/m²/hr at 50Pa.

“The Austin Company secured this project as they have an in-house multidisciplinary Design and Construction team who could develop a finalised brief, concept study through to detail design and manage, procurement, cost & construction through to Hand-over”- Project Manager, The University of York.