SCRM is the first BREEAM excellent research laboratory in the UK.
The world-leading Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine (SCRM) is a 9,000m2 facility, which spearheads the University of Edinburgh’s work into vital stem cell research. Innovative renewable technologies have resulted in a facility which is energy efficient and provides significant reduction in operational costs.
SCRM comprises space for specialist research. University research departments within the building include; Biological Research Facility (BRF); Cell Culture laboratories; Primary labs; Microscopy; Cryo-genic storage and Flourecence-activated Cell Sorting. There is also a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) - housing Roslin Cells and the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service.
All of the seperate research facilities within the SCRM building underwent rigorous validation processes to satisfy the Home Office and MHRA requirements.
The research facilities are supported by open plan write up spaces, individual offices, meeting rooms, conference facilities and breakout space. Architectural features of the building include two kidney shaped glass atriums and red finned curtain walling. The top storey extends seven meters amd is supported by cantilever steelwork trusses which are connected to the concrete frame.
The building requires a high level of service through mechanical and electrical plant, and as such the plant is located on a dedicated plant floor, sandwiched by the two research floors. Both the BRF and GMP areas have their own stand alone plant rooms with individual air handling systems to prevent cross contamination with other departments.
The consumable plant - light fittings, hepa filters etc.- have been designed in order that all consumable plant is serviceable from walk-on-decks above the research facilities. This allows maintenance staff to service the facility without risking any compromise to the control measures required in these clean environments.
As the first BREEAM excellent research facility in the UK, SCRM utilises a number of sustainable features; including ground source heat pumps, rainwater harvesting, photo voltaics and chilled beams. The building is designed to high quality standards and with longevity and robustness being the prime objective.
The building sits on a sloping site which has a high ground water table, a system of under floor drainage relieves the risk of water penetration. The structure is supported on piled foundations and there are 90 meter deep boreholes which contain the pipework for the ground source heat pumps.
The elevation treatment is a combination of Glass Reinforced Concrete panels, louvres and unitised curtain walling. Ventilation is provided by louvre panels to the plant floor.
It was vital for the laboratory spaces to have ‘black box’ conditions, ensuring they are secure and contamination free. Other more social spaces are open and free-flowing to encourage interaction between work colleagues. In order to achieve the optimum research and social spaces, all areas needing controlled conditions were placed towards the heart of the building, resulting in the offices and other open areas being located where they would benefit from plenty of daylight and natural ventilation to create a bright and stimulating environment.
The Design Team had a significant challenge to achieve the bespoke clinical requirements against environmental specification demands. These clinical requirements included controlled-condition laboratories; steam operated autoclaves; Vapourised Hydrogen Peroxide Pass-through chambers, and -80°C freezers. The need for the lowest possible carbon footprint was a major requirement, this was embraced in a number of ways, including the incorporation of chilled beams for cooling to counter the heat generated by equipment. This succeeded in almost halving the expected air volume, significantly reducing energy usage.
Our client’s energy costs were significantly reduced through the work of our Design Team, incorpotating sustainable solutions into the building framework, external shading; solar panels; rain water harvesting and natural ventilation. Our ground-source heat pump system, which meets the demand for renewable energy sources, reduces the building’s emissions while contributing to the SCRM’s outstanding green credentials.