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Bio-medical science research complex

Artists impression of BMS annex 

BMS Annex

The University of St Andrews are to provide a new laboratory building and create a world leading and sustainable Biomedical Science Research Complex (BSRC). The complex will promote pioneering activity at the discipline interfaces of Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Medicine to address key problems in human health.

The proposed complex will be situated on the University’s North Haugh Campus, to the North West of St Andrews city centre and will link two existing University of St Andrews buildings, Purdie and Biomedical Sciences (BMS).

The BSRC project will encompass two main elements:

  • Construction of a new laboratory annex building, comprising 3 floors/levels of new biomedical science research labs and plant room located at roof level.
  • Refurbishment of vacated chemistry teaching labs in the Purdie Building.

Project programme

Key dates
Annex Commencement 28 June 2010
Annex Completion Date 18 November 2011
Occupation Date (following client fit-out) 9 January 2012
Refurbishment Commencement 9 August 2010
Refurbishment Completion Date 29 April 2011
Occupation Date (following client fit-out) 30 May 2011

BREEAM rating and score

To be confirmed

Key innovative and low-impact design features of the building

A Combined Heat and Power plant is been provided to generate heat and electricity for the building, excess heat from the CHP system is transferred to the adjacent Purdie Building. This has created a reduction in carbon emissions of 54.2% compared to using grid electricity and high efficiency gas boilers alone whilst also achieving a 66.6% improvement over the target CO2 Emissions rate (TER) for Building Regulations.

Offices and write up spaces naturally ventilated. Windows have been sized to provided increased user control of openable windows with exhaust via a natural stack effect to wind catchers at roof level.

Open Plan Laboratory areas utilise "free cooling" from external air out with peak summer months.

High Efficiency variable speed chiller utilising electro magnetic bearings, the unit uses only 60% of the energy required by a standard chiller operating on typical load and ambient profiles

Use of water efficient fittings, appliances and controls to reduce water consumption.

The building has been positioned to maximise the benefit of natural shading from adjoining buildings during the peak summer months however, to protect the more exposed elements of the building a brise soleil has been provided on the west elevation of the building to provide shading from the sun and improve comfort of building users.

Lighting Control system provided - incorporating PIR controls and daylight linking to reduce energy consumption from lights being left on.

Responsibly sourced materials - Green Guide ‘A’ rated materials used where possible including the use of recycled glass in thermal insulation.

Secure cycle storage and showers/lockers provided for staff and visitors.

Operational aspects

  • Full Commissioning and testing programme to ensure building performs to Design targets
  • Seasonal Commissioning to monitor plant during variable weather patterns
  • The building has been provided with a comprehensive arrangement of energy monitoring facilities to provide energy usage profiles for minimising the energy consumption of the building.

Key building facts

Basic building cost (£/m2)

  • New build = £2,137
  • Refurbishment = £2,516

Services Costs (£/m2)

  • New build = £841
  • Refurbishment = £1,674

External Works (£/m2)

  • New build = £64

Gross floor area (m2)

  • New build 3584m2
  • Refurbishment 800m2

Total area of site hectares

  • 0.268 hectares

Function areas and their size (m2)

  • Balance Space - 1085m2 (circulation/corridors, stores, toilets, stairwells, Lobbies, lifts, ducts, showers)
  • Primary Space - 1924m2 (offices, write up areas, laboratory areas)
  • Secondary Space - 700 m2 (equipment and support areas)
  • Tertiary Space - 75m2 (meeting rooms)
  • Plantroom Space - 511m2

Area of circulation (m2)

  • New build 177m2
  • Refurbishment 45m2

Area of storage (£/m2)

  • New build 22m2
  • Refurbishment 28m2

% area of grounds to be used by community (where relevant)

  • Not relevant

% area of buildings to be used by community (where relevant)

  • Not relevant

Predicted electricity consumption (kWh/ m2)

  • 697 kWh/ m2/annum

Predicted fossil fuel consumption (kWh/ m2)

  • 1917 kWh/ m2/annum

Predicted renewable energy generation (kWh/ m2)

  • 941 kWh/ m2/annum thermal energy generated by CHP
  • 599 kWh/ m2/annum electricity generated by CHP

Predicted water use (m3/person/year)

  • 200 m3/person/year based on 150 people

% predicted water use to be provided by rainwater or greywater

  • 0%

Steps taken during the construction process to reduce environmental impacts

The University and this project is committed to best practice in the field of recycling and waste minimisation. With this in mind the project will undergo WRAP processes.

Using WRAP software the Project Manager, Design Team and Contractor will identify and implement the most effective and cost-neutral opportunities (Quick Wins) to increase the value of materials deriving from recycled and re-used content and quantify the improvement in the total recycled content above “Baseline practice” for the project.

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