New physics facility built by Bouygues and designed by Jestico & Whiles
The University of Cambridge has officially opened the Ray Dolby Centre, a 32,900 sq m research and teaching building.
The 拢160m scheme has been designed by Jestico + Whiles for the Cavendish Laboratory within the department of physics.
The new facility, built by Bouygues in partnership with executive architects NBBJ and BDP, consolidates one of the world鈥檚 leading physics departments into a purpose-built headquarters in the Cambridge West Innovation District.
Founded in 1874, the Cavendish Laboratory has played a key role in major scientific discoveries including the electron, neutron and the structure of DNA.
The five-storey building replaces the department鈥檚 existing facilities with new laboratories, workshops, cleanrooms, teaching spaces and a suite of support environments.
The design includes a 400-seat lecture theatre, undergraduate teaching laboratories, a learning resource centre, offices and a central caf茅.
It also includes 173 laboratories with highly specific technical requirements. The deep basement houses vibration-sensitive microscopy suites, where VC-H vibration standards have been achieved through passive means.
Other areas include spaces for rigorous temperature and humidity control, electro-magnetic shielding and non-ferrous or anti-static conditions.
The project, which also includes 770 covered cycle spaces, received 拢85 million in funding from the estate of sound pioneer and Cambridge alumnus Ray Dolby, along with 拢75 million from the UK government.
Others who worked on the scheme included project manager Currie & Brown, QS Aecon, civil and structures consultant Ramboll and M&E consultant Hoare Lea. Jacobs was technical architect.
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