Opened by the Queen in 2004, the construction on this project involved a mixture of new build and refurbishment, with Buro Happold providing structural, building services, civil and specialist engineering consultancy.

Key technical challenges included investigating the site, engineering the large and elegant atrium, establishing the capacities of the adjoining buildings to carry new loads, and providing a comfortable, energy-efficient internal environment that would meet sustainability objectives. In addition, our technology integration team designed a state-of-the-art, future-ready IT network.

The imposing atrium structure is one of the most distinguishing features of the development. Fully enclosing the space formed by existing buildings, the atrium creates a bright, year-round usable space. Our strategy for optimising the environment within the atrium involved combining displacement ventilation with underfloor heating and cooling in winter and summer.

To further reduce the building’s reliance on active air conditioning, fresh air is drawn from the atrium to serve the six lecture theatres which are arranged into a stainless steel drum tower rising from the ground floor. Lightweight ETFE foil cushion roofs were chosen as the roofing material for the atrium as these provide superior insulation, are extremely durable and require less support steelwork.