Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Building, University of Warwick, Coventry

2024 RIBA West Midlands Award

Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Building, University of Warwick, Coventry
Hawkins\Brown with The Fairhurst Design Group for The University of Warwick
Contract value: £35.5m
GIA: 7091m²
Cost per m²: £5,006

This new 7,000m² building on the University of Warwick’s campus houses two primary research functions with markedly different spatial, servicing and environmental requirements: wet labs, and write up, seminar and other research space. The architects have therefore designed the building as two sections, with labs and lecture space in an environmentally stable precast concrete frame, and non-technical and sociable spaces in a glulam and cross laminated timber frame. The two elements join seamlessly, echoing the ambition of bringing the uses together to foster collaboration and the breaking down of siloed working habits. The laboratories are not purely clinical but offer elements of delight, including the admittance of natural light and far-reaching views with seasonal change through carefully placed vertical windows. Sociable spaces have a softened feel, with a choice of environments to support learning diversity.

The jury felt that, through the considered design of even the technical spaces, the architecture elevates the learning and research environment, providing a reminder of the context and relevance of the work being carried out inside. The result is an inspiring place in which to research, focus and learn.

Off-site manufacturing was used to great benefit – there was an 80% reduction in deliveries to site, 30% reduction in site labour, and approximately 400 tonnes of CO₂ saved. Impressively, the construction minimised disruption to the local residents and existing trees. The project team made an active choice to reduce the deliveries and disturbance. The success of these efforts makes it likely that off-site fabrication will be repeated for their other projects for the university.

Overall, the jury agreed that the building is exemplary as a learning and research environment that has been designed, detailed and delivered to an excellent standard. The brief called for a clear ambition: to bring together two disciplines. The architects used this pairing throughout the design to great effect. The strong analogy guiding the two elements of function has transformed the building into a piece of architecture, there to inspire and support future generations of students.

See the rest of the RIBA West Midlands winners here. And all the RIBA Regional Awards here

To see the whole RIBA Awards process visit architecture.com.

RIBA Regional Awards 2024 sponsored by EH Smith and Autodesk