Gilberts Helps University Balance Sustainability And Quiet

Future generations of vets are being given a green and peaceful environment in which to study, due in part to Gilberts. The University of Bristol has commissioned a new Veterinary School to support its commitment to a case-based learning model, providing specialised spaces for small-group learning. The two-storey building, designed by ADP Architecture and built by Beard Construction, features numerous elements to help deliver the University’s ambition of being a net zero campus and deliver Gold LEAF certified schooling.

These include use of cross-laminated timber, natural light, plus photovoltaic panels to charge a battery system and power the air heat source pumps. Gilberts' acoustic louvres ventilate and protect the high-level plant and reduce its noise from disturbing the learning environment.

It was not a simple build, however. The new school is situated between existing buildings and had to be executed whilst the campus was active. To keep disruption to a minimum and achieve the build programme schedule, Gilberts began the louvre install over a Bank Holiday, and utilised scissor lifts and safety steps to physically manoeuvre the louvres into place. In total, 17 single bank louvre panels spanning over 11,000m with each panel measuring 2.9m high x 300mm deep, were installed.

Fitted to steels behind the CLT columns and beams, the louvre panels have been designed to align with the standing seam cladding below. Once in place, the louvres provide up to 50% free ventilation area to the plant behind and achieve strong noise modulation to a weighted SRI of 18dBA.

The new Veterinary School at University of Bristol is the latest in a portfolio of similar projects for Gilberts, including Pritchatts House at University of Birmingham, the Moot Court at University of Lancaster, the Harper & Keele Veterinary School and the Regius Chair laboratory at University of Liverpool.

The Bristol Veterinary School project demonstrates Gilberts’ continuing commitment to innovative and sustainable commercial HVAC strategies, driven from the company’s 140,000 sq ft research and manufacturing facility in Lancashire. https://gilbertsblackpool.com