Bouygues UK and the University of Cambridge have signed a construction contract for the university’s Cavendish III physics laboratory
The Cavendish III physics laboratory and a neighbouring shared facilities hub – designed by architect Jestico + Whiles – were awarded by Lynxvale Limited, the university’s development arm, and is worth £250m.
Located on the West Cambridge campus, Cavendish III will be a purpose-built laboratory for world-leading research for the university’s Department of Physics, bringing a large number of research groups in the department together under one roof to encourage collaboration.
The project has received a funding contribution of £75m from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. Architect and lead consultant for the buildings Jestico + Whiles was supported by Jacobs as technical architect for the cleanrooms and laboratories. Bouygues UK worked alongside the University’s project manager Currie & Brown, as well as cost consultant AECOM to agree the contract, and will continue to work with NBBJ and BDP to complete the technical design details through to the project’s completion. Ramboll is the civil and structural engineer and Hoare Lea is the M&E engineer. Bouygues Energies & Services will be in charge of the specialist Mechanical & Electrical works.
Professor Andy Parker, Head of the Cavendish Laboratory at The University of Cambridge, said:
“This is an exciting step forward for the new Cavendish Laboratory, which will serve as a home for physics research at Cambridge as well as a first-rate facility for the UK as a whole – much of the specialised research equipment in the new building will be made available to other institutions. This world-class facility will meet the educational needs of future generations of students much better than is possible at our existing site and its design also facilitates public events, enabling us to continue our extensive programme of work with schools and the wider public.”
Fabienne Viala, Chair of Bouygues UK and UK Country Manager for Bouygues Construction, said: “We are particularly attracted to complex projects where we can use our technical expertise to add value while working with our group companies and other partners. Having collaborated with the university and wider project team to incorporate the stringent criteria required of a physics laboratory where internationally significant research will take place, we are pleased to be bringing this major project to life.”
Cavendish III will comprise a range of laboratories, offices, clean rooms, workshops and multiple lecture theatres. The basement area will incorporate specialist acoustic and vibration treatments to achieve the stringent control criteria necessary for operating equipment highly sensitive to vibration.
The independent Shared Facilities Hub will provide catering, collaborative teaching, meeting, study and library spaces to the West Cambridge campus.
Beyond the technical aspects, particular attention has been paid to the environment; both buildings have been designed to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating.
