Case Studies

Construction of a new Biosciences building at the University of Nottingham’s agricultural campus in Sutton Bonington.

The teaching and research facility is the largest prefabricated straw bale construction project in the UK. The structure comprises a reinforced concrete frame which will be clad using straw bale units made from an internal finished timber skin, a compressed straw centre and rendered external panels. The straw and timber are both being sourced locally from the University’s own farmland.

Housing a combination of laboratories and office space, the building will bring together the School of Biosciences and the School of Veterinary and Medical Sciences for the first time.

The works include the diversion of the existing underground services which feed other University buildings along with the removal of existing glass structures to make space for the new building.

The internal finishes will consist of part fair faced concrete and part plaster finished walls. Services will be distributed throughout the building concealed in ceiling rafts and raised access flooring.

The laboratory and research area will be fitted out with specialist lab equipment which will have, in part, insulated cold rooms.

Externally the site will receive a full paving and landscape scheme.

The building has an environmental target of BREEAM “Excellent”.

Pictured is an artists impression of the facility which has been designed by Make Architects.