UK-based Mansell Construction Services Limited has completed construction work on the £10 million ($15.7 million) Engineering and Science Learning Centre at the University of Nottingham on time and on budget. The three-storey centre, built at the heart of the University Park campus science area, provides a range of flexible spaces including seminar rooms, a student centre, computer laboratory, graduate centre, social space and ancillary accommodation.
A large central glazed atrium is the focal point of the building, which has been designed to meet BREEAM “Excellent” standards, achieved through the use of a number of innovative sustainable methods including, thermal mass of exposed concrete frame, a ground source heat pump, district heating system, lighting controls and enhanced U values and air tightness.
The concrete frame is made from locally recycled aggregate. An Ethylene TetraFlouro-Ethylene (ETFE), foil cushion roof system has been used to allow natural light into the building.