University of Exeter Biosciences Department

This project comprised the refurbishment of the iconic and listed Geoffrey Pope building to enhance the research and teaching facilities as well as support the University’s ambitions to be a leading international centre for research and teaching in biosciences.

The completed refurbishment provides: Fully operational BSL3 research suite, 3 high quality research facilities to BSL2 standard, 4 specialist laboratories to cater for all chemical, biochemical and analytical needs, State-of-the-art aquarium, an extended teaching lab, improved support facilities to the teaching lab, flexible school seminar space, an integrated student support office, 130 new desk spaces for postgraduates, 25 new staff offices, improved access to the building and a fully refurbished foyer with networked PCs and wi-fi.

The Aquatics Laboratories/ Aquarium had to be carefully coordinated to integrate with the restricted structure, providing a very close level of control to maintain the breading requirements of the specimens.

Elementa provided full mechanical, electrical, and public health design for the project. Key challenges included the delivery of adjacent laboratories with a high-temperature differential and placement of new plant within a new underground bunker extension adjacent to the building.

During construction we provided a full clerk of works and commissioning review service to get this complex project to conclusion. This included at the close of the construction/commissioning periods to occupation and operation of the building, a soft landings service to integrate the universities team into the use & maintenance of this complex facility.

Image credit: The University of Exeter