Aberystwyth University, Gogerddan IBERS Research Facility
The leading edge facility allows the university to explore new methods of teaching and inter-disciplinary collaboration
Located on the stunning west coast of Wales, Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) undertakes inter-disciplinary scientific research to explore the impact of global warming on our food supply.
Following a masterplan to consolidate and reorganise the existing provision, Pascall+Watson were selected to design two new flagship teaching and research facilities; one at Gogerddan, the other at Penglais,
The architecture of the Gogerddan facility respects its idyllic rural setting whilst creating a spacious and efficient learning environment. The building houses adaptive microbiology laboratories, controlled glasshouse environments, seed production and banking facilities and provides for large scale agricultural research.
The BREEAM Excellent rated low energy design features a biomass boiler, fuelled by crops grown on the research farm to provide a self-sufficient heating and hot water system.
The new facilities support the university’s drive to remain at the forefront of global research in its specialist field. The scheme has helped secure both commercial and government funding streams, consequently attracting the best academics, students and researchers.
Client. Aberystwyth University
Value. £10.5m
Location. Aberystwyth, UK
Awards.
S-Lab Awards 2013, New Laboratory, Finalist
Images courtesy of Aberystwyth University