Pirbright Institute, Surrey, UK

The official opening of The Pirbright Institute by HRH The Princess Royal

Pirbright Institute carries out research, diagnostics and surveillance on viruses carried by animals

For John Sisk & Son, the project scope involved the design and build of a 3,700m² Containment Level 2 (CL2) facility on the grounds of the Institute’s existing scientific campus. The project works also included the supply, installation, test and commissioning of two autoclaves, 53 microbiological safety cabinets and six fume cupboards. The project further required the biological validation of both autoclaves and five of the 53 microbiological safety cabinets installed.

"Our innovative new facilities will enable scientists to develop a greater understanding of virus-host interactions and how best to combat diseases using the latest technologies, including the genetic modification of vaccines and viruses."

Dr Bryan Charleston

CEO OF THE PIRBRIGHT INSTITUTE

The Pirbright Institute laboratories

Sisk brings a professional and reliable approach for effective Life Sciences project delivery

Technology

Utilising 4D modelling

A key tool throughout the scheme has been the integration of BIM/Synchro, which has proved useful for all stakeholders.BIM/Synchro was used for:

Clash detection on federated models, ensuring clash-free integration
Quantity take-off on architectural and structural elements
Value engineering and cost-saving analysis
Realistic rendering and proposed construction visualisation

Successfully Achieving BREEAM Excellent

The building has achieved BREEAM Excellent rating, with air-tightness levels of 2.5m³/hour/m² at 50 Pascals. This is the only building in the campus redevelopment programme that will achieve BREEAM Excellent, and it is possible because of the lower containment levels.

Other BREEAM features include 125 photovoltaic panels and an air source heat pump. The concrete has used GGBS (ground granulated blast-furnace slag) as cement replacement to boost credits.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Community engagement activities undertaken included participating in the refurbishment of the local park benches in Pirbright’s village green, an Open Doors event, local liaison with schools and public visits to site.