Biological Sciences Research Building, University of Galway

The Biological Sciences Research Building (BRB) was part of the Research Bundle of projects for the University of Galway which comprised 3 separate projects. It consists of a 4 storey (including plant level) research facility with 5 heavily serviced wet laboratories and an animal facility, associated administration, seminar room, meeting rooms and a café.

As the University was expanding its core study and learning facilities with this project, the principle design brief was to allow for flexibility of layout to facilitate developing or changing ways of working with multi-functional spaces. The building was constructed with a reinforced concrete precast frame and is clad in curtain walling system (Okawood) to the West and a render system with strip windows to the East, as one of the objectives of the design was to create a transparency or openness to the researchers to facilitate collaboration or incidental learning/sharing of knowledge.

The BSRB was constructed to the highest standards, fully NZEB compliant and a BER A rated building with a Breeam Very Good rating. Façades incorporate an innovative approach to solar shading in the use of Oakwood glazing with integral timber blinds, which provided inherent heat reduction to the naturally ventilated external western corridor. The atrium, office suites, technical work areas and perimeter corridors are all naturally ventilated, acting as a “thermal sweater” for the mechanically ventilated laboratory suites and reinforce an extremely energy efficient design strategy.

Extensive use of prefabrication and off-site construction reduced carbon footprint and accelerated the construction programme. All services and service runs are exposed ensuring that there is a reduction on unnecessary ceiling finishes and painting, reducing the carbon footprint of the building and exposing the facility’s skeleton to its day-to-day user and incidental visitor. The length and depth of the building was determined by the optimal layout of the generic teaching module which facilitated natural day lighting and a measure of passive ventilation.

External landscaped space is a main feature of the building with a sheltered social area at the entrances and manicured lawns to allow staff and students access to external space for decompressing and amenity.