Birmingham, UK
Completed:
2018
Architect:
Sheppard Robson
Contractor:
Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure
Product Used:
Exemplaire C Frame System, Fixed Central Spines
The award-winning Collaborative Teaching Laboratory (CTL) at the University of Birmingham was designed around a new model for practical STEM teaching, replacing traditional department-led laboratories with flexible shared wet and dry teaching environments capable of supporting multiple disciplines simultaneously.
Designed by Sheppard Robson and delivered by Morgan Sindall, the 6,700m² facility formed part of the University of Birmingham’s wider transformation of practical STEM teaching environments.
The building was developed to encourage greater interaction between disciplines including chemistry, engineering, environmental sciences and electronic systems, whilst supporting adaptable practical teaching environments capable of accommodating concurrent activities across multiple departments.
Rather than separating teaching laboratories by individual discipline, the CTL introduced a more collaborative approach to practical STEM education through a series of highly serviced multi-use laboratory spaces supported by preparation, instrument and informal learning areas. The project has since received multiple industry awards, including several RIBA West Midlands Awards recognising both its architectural design and innovative approach to university laboratory teaching.
SB Laboratories manufactured and supplied specialist laboratory furniture throughout the lower ground and first floor teaching laboratories, including the wet and dry laboratories together with associated preparation rooms, instrument laboratories and storage areas.
Within the wet laboratory, SB Laboratories installed Exemplaire C-Frame laboratory furniture systems combined with mobile under-bench storage and specialist sink workstations, creating highly practical teaching environments designed around adaptability and multi-user teaching.
The dry laboratory adopted a different approach, incorporating bespoke fixed central service spines housing integrated electrical services alongside freestanding laboratory workstations arranged to support flexible teaching layouts and changing practical teaching requirements.
The completed CTL facility provides the University of Birmingham with one of its most progressive practical STEM teaching environments, bringing together disciplines including chemistry, engineering, environmental science and electronic systems within flexible shared laboratory spaces designed for collaborative learning and evolving teaching methods.
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.
