Ramboll developed the civil, structural and vibration engineering concept for the University of Cambridge’s Cavendish III physics laboratory and neighbouring shared facilities hub building, which will be delivered by Bouygues UK. The British subsidiary of Bouygues Construction has been selected as the main contractor for both buildings.
Located on the West Cambridge campus, Cavendish III will be a purpose-built laboratory for world-leading research for the university’s Department of Physics, bringing the large number of research groups in the department together under one roof to encourage collaboration.
With an internal area of approximately 33,000m2, Cavendish III will house a range of laboratories, offices, clean rooms, workshops and multiple lecture theatres. The basement area will incorporate specialist acoustic and vibration treatments to achieve the stringent control criteria necessary for operating equipment highly sensitive to vibration.
Ramboll has advised on the vibration design of the building to achieve a highly stable environment for investigations at the atomic scale. The building has been designed with the future in mind, with Ramboll providing engineering solutions for the building to be adapted in later years to meet changing research demands.
There are also challenging criteria to be met in relation to temperature and humidity control and EMI protection.
Ramboll has been involved with the department since 2014, working with them to define the technical brief for the building, before being awarded the civil, structural and vibration engineering design commission for the project. Through architects Jestico + Whiles Ramboll are also responsible for the acoustic and fire engineering design.
The independent Shared Facilities Hub, with a net surface area of approximately 4,700m2, will provide catering, collaborative teaching, meeting, study and library spaces to the West Cambridge campus. The hub will bring academic, support and research staff together with the undergraduate and PhD communities.
