Aberystwyrh University – Gogerddan Campus – IBERS

The new building is part of the Institute of Biological Environmental and Rural Services (IBERS) at Abersystwyth University, Gogerddan Campus. It provides the focus and new reception for the research community housed in a number of adjacent buildings. It also provides a physical link to three existing primary research and support buildings.

The building has two floors of research laboratories and a research glasshouse.

The ground floor laboratory houses leading edge sequencing technology in a largely open plan flexible arrangement.

The first floor laboratory is generally open plan with flexibility provided by mobile benching units and overhead service booms.

While the primary function is for Molecular Biology, the flexibility of the design also allows for visiting scientists and groups to carry out specific research projects.

Although there are offices/write up functions adjacent to the first floor laboratory, a unique interaction space has been designed within the laboratory.

A “soft seat” breakout space with white board and projector/ media link has been incorporated to provide easy interaction/ collaboration in the laboratory rather than having to go through the change regime and meet in the external write up spaces.

Austin provided complete Mechanical, Electrical and Public Health design as well as specialist Architectural laboratory designs.

Working with the lead designer, Austin also led a facilitated briefing process at the commencement of the project. This allowed efficient and rapid dissemination of information.

The design services were initially direct to the University and subsequently on completion of Stage E, to the Design and Build Contractor.

The laboratory building has achieved a design stage BREEAM Excellent Rating and incorporates specific sustainable design solutions.

The glasshouse has been designed to be temperature controlled to support the primary research into the effects of climate change and phenomics.

The phenomics research glasshouse is equipped with a state of the art fully automated conveyor racking system and screening facility. The glasshouse is linked to the new building in which glasshouse support laboratories are located.

Heating is supplied by a Bio Mass boiler system fuelled by woodchip. The intention is to supply the fuel from managed woodland owned by the University.

Rainwater is harvested to an underground holding tank. This is used for the toilets and landscape irrigation including green walls. The holding tank also contributes to the site flood attenuation strategy.

A nature roof not only provides habitat potential but also supports the flood attenuation scheme.