HATCHCROFT SCIENCE CENTRE

Hatchcroft is home to the Schools of Science & Technology, and Health & Education, housing all specialist teaching laboratories and skills clinics, as well as two large format lecture theatres. Located nearby several listed buildings along The Burroughs, the design responds in a contemporary way to the sensitive historic location.

Despite having to cater for complex controlled environmental systems in the suite of category 2 laboratories, the building was one of the first of its kind to achieve a BREEAM “excellent” rating. The design deploys a range of passive and technological low and renewable energy solutions, resulting in an estimated reduction in CO2 emissions equivalent to approximately 30 tonnes per year.

Client

Middlesex University

Contractor

Alfred McAlpine

Services Engineer

Rolton Group

Structural Engineer

Capita Symonds

Cost Consultant

Nisbet LLP

Historic Context

The choice of bricks and stone cladding creates a high-quality façade for the building which responds to its location in a sensitive historic civic centre. Hatchcroft was designed to have an iconic modern design which was in keeping with the adjacent Grade II listed buildings.

Best Practice Sustainable Design

Specifically design and built with the aim of minimising the environmental impact of the project, Hatchcroft was awarded the first BREEAM Excellent rating in Barnet, representing best practice is sustainable design and construction. The design incorporates a ground source heat pump, solar hot water panels, natural ventilation, nigh time cooling and materials which were recycled throughout the construction process.

Collaborative Process

BPR worked closely with University stakeholders, local authority, consultants and the contractor to develop the outstanding building for Hendon Campus. Continued dialogue with all parties was essential to achieving the realised final design.