Aberystwyth University – Penglais Campus – IBERS

The new building is part of the Institute of Biological Environmental and Rural Services (IBERS) on the Penglais Campus of Aberystwyth University.

The building incorporates a new reception and the focus for the IBERS research and teaching facility situated in a number of existing adjacent buildings.

The new flagship facility provides offices for researchers, academics and post doctorates, with flexible conference facilities and meeting rooms.

To provide a focal point on the campus, the facility also houses a cafeteria.

First floor bridges link the new building to existing research and teaching laboratories. The first floor links allow existing pedestrian patterns at the ground floor level to be maintained. The adjacent listed gardens and mature trees have been addressed as part of the design.

Working with the Lead Designer, Austin also led a facilitated briefing process at the start of the process. This allowed efficient and rapid dissemination of information.

The design services were initially direct for the university and subsequently on completion of Stage E, to the design and build contractor

Austin provided complete mechanical, electrical and public health design

The building has achieved a design stage BREEAM Excellent Rating and incorporates a high level of sustainable design.

The whole building is naturally ventilated utilising the principles of cross ventilation, stack ventilation, and using wind catchers.

Heating is supplied by ground source system. A slinky installation is positioned beneath and adjacent games pitch. This serves two heat pumps with variable speed invertors.

High output radiators are used for space heating with water at 45°C from the ground source system. The reception and café have under floor heating.

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

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