University of Lincoln Sarah Swift Building

Lincoln, UK

Project details
Client

University of Lincoln

Architect

FaulknerBrowns Architects

Services provided by Buro Happold

Acoustics, Building Services Engineering (MEP), Fire engineering

Designed to house the School of Health and Social Care and the School of Psychology – two of the largest departments in the University of Lincoln – the Sarah Swift building will support continued growth in the disciplines and enhance the student learning experience.

The new academic building will accommodate a diverse range of learning and research spaces, including teaching areas, offices, laboratories and nurse training facilities.

Challenge

A key element of the brief for this specialist building was to create spaces that have the right environmental conditions, vibration levels and acoustic separation for their different functions, while ensuring the building remains simple to commission, build and operate. In addition, our client is committed to creating a sustainable building that will further scientific research without compromising on environmental credentials.

University of Lincoln Sarah Swift Building
When complete, the Sarah Swift building will provide students and staff with world class teaching and research facilities. Image: Faulkner Browns

Solution

In order to achieve the most effective design possible, the Buro Happold team developed 3D models of all the rooms at an early stage to ensure users’ requirements were clearly captured, while demonstrating to the client’s estates team that the services were co-ordinated and accessible. This resulted in a flat slab structural design that will allow for a more straight forward installation of services, and allow for greater flexibility of use in the future.

To create a sustainable facility, our engineers focused on delivering simple solutions that are designed for long term use. We carefully considered the building services strategy to ensure it was energy efficient yet robust, devising an overall environmental approach that maximises the use of daylight and natural ventilation, while incorporating mechanical ventilation to ensure the close control environments required in some areas. In addition, we incorporated a number of other low energy systems, including solar control glazing and 200m2 photovoltaic panels for on site energy generation.

We developed 3D models of each room in the building to test our designs and ensure we produced flexible, futureproof engineering solutions. Image: Faulkner Brown

Value

Designed with simplicity, high quality and sustainability in mind, the Sarah Swift building will provide purpose built, fully flexible facilities for university students and staff alike. In doing so, it will enable the world class research and development programme undertaken by both schools to grow within its walls.

University of Lincoln Sarah Swift Building
When complete, the Sarah Swift building will provide students and staff with world class teaching and research facilities. Image: Faulkner Browns