Race Cottam Architects
Image of the central atrium of the Biology builing Bright, showing a contemporary interior circulation space with a linear skylight over, featuring glass balustrades, warm-toned walls, orange accents, against white finishes,  a reception desk, with a lab technician walking through the space.Image of the central atrium of the Biology builing Bright, showing a contemporary interior circulation space with a linear skylight over, featuring glass balustrades, warm-toned walls, orange accents, against white finishes,  a reception desk, with a lab technician walking through the space.
Biology DepartmentUniversity of York

An example of our ability to deliver a high-specification biomedical lab and research facility within a live University campus.

Bright, modern laboratory space with white workbenches, scientific equipment, and students in lab coats carrying out experiments in a well-lit clinical environment.
View of the Biology building entrance  with a colourful façade featuring red, ochre, and white panels, large windows, and a glazed entrance tower under a clear blue sky.
Biology Building, photo taken from the corner showing two facades with a bold, colourful façade of red, ochre, and green volumes, set along a curved road and surrounded by mature trees in an autumn setting.
Project info

Biology Phase 2 at the University of York was  a major extension on the Heslington West Campus, linking to existing department buildings within a live university environment.

The facility delivers high-specification biomedical teaching and research spaces, including large-scale laboratories, specialist biosafety and microscopy suites, and plant and ecology labs. Alongside these, flexible collaborative areas such as an IT suite, creative lounge and think tank support interdisciplinary working. Adaptable furniture enhances usability and future flexibility. The project demonstrates our’ expertise in delivering complex laboratory environments, carefully integrated within an operational campus while meeting demanding technical and spatial requirements.

Location

York

Date

Completed 2016

Client

University of York
Interserve Construction

Area

1,650 sq.m

Cost

£9 million

Services

Architecture
Interior Design

Main Contractor

Interserve Construction

Team

University of York
Innovation Fire Engineering
William Saunders

Our Team

Paul Foster
Nick Stables

Sustainability

BREEAM Very Good

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