Hatfield, UK
Completed:
2016
Architect:
Sheppard Robson
Contractor:
Bouygues
Product Used:
Exemplaire C Frame System, Fume Cupboards
The Science Building at the University of Hertfordshire was developed as a major element of the university’s wider 2020 Vision, bringing together advanced teaching laboratories, specialist research environments and contemporary scientific learning spaces within a landmark facility at the heart of the College Lane Campus.
Designed by Sheppard Robson, the 9,000 m² development was created to challenge the traditional perception of university laboratory buildings as purely functional spaces. The building combines highly serviced scientific environments with bold contemporary architecture, efficient laboratory planning and a strong visual identity, helping establish a new focal point for science and research within the campus masterplan. A distinctive aluminium veil façade wraps around the building, filtering natural daylight into deep laboratory floorplates whilst creating a dynamic external appearance that reflects the precision and technical nature of the scientific activity within.
Internally, the building was designed around large column-free teaching laboratories, specialist research environments and carefully planned circulation spaces intended to create robust, efficient and highly adaptable scientific facilities capable of supporting a broad range of disciplines across life sciences, chemistry, biomedical sciences and pharmaceutical teaching.
SB Laboratories manufactured and installed a major laboratory furniture and fume cupboard package throughout the development, supporting teaching, analytical and research functions across multiple laboratory environments. The installation included 76 Ecoline fume cupboards together with extensive laboratory furniture systems based around SB Laboratories’ Exemplaire C-Frame system, incorporating suspended storage cupboards, integrated laboratory benching and SpaceSaver tall storage systems.
The project extended across a wide variety of specialist environments including molecular biology laboratories, microbiology teaching laboratories, PCR laboratories, pharmaceutical chemistry laboratories, analytical chemistry teaching spaces, radiobiology laboratories, cell culture laboratories, human tissue laboratories and specialist research laboratories, alongside dedicated preparation rooms, wash-up areas and procedure spaces. The breadth of laboratory accommodation reflected the university’s ambition to create a highly integrated science facility capable of supporting both large-scale practical teaching and advanced scientific research within a single coordinated building.
By combining high-volume fume cupboard installations, specialist laboratory furniture systems and integrated storage solutions within a technically demanding and architecturally ambitious science facility, the project stands as a significant example of SB Laboratories’ experience in delivering complex higher education laboratory environments for leading universities and research-focused institutions.
All images are courtesy of Ridi Group.
The SB Labs manufacturing plant, showrooms and offices are always open for viewing and a member of staff would be happy to provide a guided tour at any time.
