Projects

University College London | Kathleen Lonsdale Laboratory Building

University College London | Kathleen Lonsdale Laboratory Building

London
United Kingdom
Epping-Multiple-Development_1920x1080

University College London (UCL) Kathleen Lonsdale Laboratory Building is a Grade II listed building constructed in 1915 as UCL’s first purpose-built Chemistry building.

The building is to undergo a phased refurbishment as part of the major projects being carried out as part of transforming UCL.

Several specialist laboratories have been provided with significantly upgraded facilities:

  • Geophysical fluid dynamics (Earth Sciences)
  • Microscopy labs and spaces
  • Geochronology (Earth Sciences)
  • Geochemistry (Earth Sciences)
  • Micropalaeontology lab (Earth Sciences)
  • Non-metal Lab (Earth Sciences)
  • Multi-collector (Earth Sciences)
  • Scanning Electron Microscope (Earth Sciences)
  • BioGeo Chemical (Earth Sciences)
  • New GMP lab clean room (Chemistry)

To meet the needs of the different laboratories, Introba (formerly Elementa Consulting) engaged with stakeholders in the early stages to fully understand the client’s specific requirements for each lab space/type and ensure the best technical solution was provided – suitable for the client’s aspirations while also offering a space that is flexible for future changes/growth.

The first challenge was to ensure the campus remained operational throughout the refurbishment, a larger challenge given the close proximity of each building. To combat this, Introba delivered the project over five phases to ensure the least disruption to on-going lectures/student living.

To further the phase delivery, a zero defects strategy was applied throughout the duration of the project. This required high levels of communication between Introba, the client and contractors to guarantee zero defects at each handover phase of the project. A focus on a robust commissioning review program at the early stages of the project allowed this to be coordinated in the contractor’s program for a succinct finish. Elementa Consulting was on hand for strict weekly site visits to ensure the defects strategy was on target for a smooth and efficient handover.

To achieve the aspirations of the University for a world class facility while working around the other live university buildings, Introba proposed an accessible maintenance scheme set over the 5 phase delivery. This meant a strategic delivery of services had to be incorporated with core systems routed through circulation areas to ensure that stage works were complete to make the next delivery phase possible and avoid disruption to the previous stage. Designs had to consider ultra-sensitive lab equipment, lighting, vibrations, noise, and climate condition within the lab facilities. Significant modifications were proposed to improve access around the building and environmental performance, and space utilisation. The Earth Sciences department, previously split between different locations, has benefited from the improvements as they are now fully accommodated in the new building.

The completed refurbishment offers new open-plan offices, shared studio space called Hubs, and a variety of break-out spaces.

Related Projects