Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT) Jocelyn Bell Burnell Science Building
This new state-of-the-art facility at DKIT boasts advanced teaching and research laboratories dedicated to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The labs feature diverse typologies, including cell culture, agriculture, chemistry, and pharmaceutical studies, which will further elevate the campus’s reputation in this sector.
The design solution is guided by passive design principles, utilising thermal mass, natural ventilation, and solar shading.
Architecture
This 1,300sqm facility boasts advanced teaching and research laboratories. The labs feature diverse typologies, including cell culture, agriculture, chemistry, and pharmaceutical studies, which will elevate the campus’s reputation. The new building, strategically located next to existing science facilities, is seamlessly connected via a fully glazed link. A new access road has also been constructed to enhance overall accessibility.
The building was designed as a sequence of walls/ planes, emphasising a prominent north-south axis which forms a services spine. This layout ensures convenient access to all services while maintaining a clear circulation route. Labs are oriented towards the eastern views of the Mourne mountains, while support spaces are positioned along the western side. The fully glazed north and south elevations articulate the building's form, with projecting bays animating the facade.
The design solution is driven by passive design principles, emphasising mass, natural ventilation, and solar shading.
A restrained material selection was employed, focusing on dark brickwork with bespoke detailing accentuating the strip windows. This gives the building a unified and distinct appearance.
Accessible and Adaptable Design
The extensive landscaping around the building with pathways and gentle slopes is designed to promote accessibility and inclusivity. The approach path to the entrance door is level, and the entrance doorway is automated to allow for easy access. Internally the circulation routes are generous to allow for ease of movement. A new universal accessible lift has been included which fully complies with part M. Each laboratory includes a height-adjustable desk with a full suite of gases and water connected to the worktop.
Components of the inclusivity strategy include large vision panels in doors and full height glazing in the circulation spaces providing views of the external environment for everyone.
Light Reflective Values are achieved through varying floor, door, and wall colours which aid in distinguishing between areas. Light switches and power socket rockers also have a distinguishing colour.
Sustainability
Biodiversity: The compact form of the building maximises the extent of landscaping which promotes biodiversity. A row of acer crimson king trees has been planted along the eastern boundary line.
Comfort, health, and well-being: The design process included the use of Integrated Environmental Software (IES) to ensure user comfort levels were achieved. The building is predominantly naturally ventilated with windows in all spaces. The site is landscaped to provide an amenity for all.
Operational energy: The energy efficient design (EED) objectives were created to optimise the design, services, and orientation of spaces to maximise the potential of natural light, solar gain. The existing wind turbine was used as a source of renewable energy and provision was made for future heat pumps. The building achieves an A3 rating.
Embodied Carbon: The compact form of the building and the use of a limited palette of materials ensures waste was kept to a minimum.
Client Statement
“DKIT have been at the forefront of delivering excellence in higher education with an unwavering commitment to the learners, families, employers and enterprises in the northeast region.
Our new state-of-the-art science facility boasts advanced teaching and research laboratories. The Irish biopharma industry is internationally recognised, and the commercial value of biotherapeutic medicines is forecasted to grow exponentially in the next few years. The new Cell Culture facility at DKIT will provide our undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD students with the most up-to-date skills, training, research, and innovation opportunities for the manufacture of biotherapeutics.
The new building is named in honour of Professor Jocelyn Bell Burnell: a scientist from the region and visionary in her field of science and astrophysics. Professor Bell Burnell is well known for promoting inclusivity and improved education pathways for all. This wonderful new building will provide greater opportunities for science students in the northeast and Ireland generally.”
