Roof is on at Computer Laboratory

Roof is on at Computer Laboratory

The skyline of West Cambridge is quickly taking shape as the first of the new buildings, celebrated its structural completion yesterday (31 October 2000). Professor Ian Leslie tightened the last bolt on a roof beam of the Computer Laboratory at a topping out ceremony hosted by the building contractor, Shepherd Construction Ltd.

Professor Leslie, Head of the Computer Laboratory said that the West Cambridge Development represents the University's commitment to meeting the changing demands placed upon it.

"In order to be a world class institution we need world class facilities. This topping out ceremony is a moment to pause and thank all who have got us this far, benefactors, the design team, the building team and those in the Laboratory and the wider University that have contributed so much to the process," he added.

David Webb, Deputy Chairman of Shepherd, said that this occasion marks the excellent progress made on this new building designed to keep the University of Cambridge at the cutting edge of research and technology.

The Computer Laboratory is currently housed in cramped facilities at the New Museums Site and the department is looking forward to moving into the specifically designed premises next year.

The architects, RMJM, incorporated many environmentally friendly features into the building, such as using the heat generated by the computers inside to supply most of the heating for the building. Many of the issues in the construction revolve around making the building virtually air tight to keep heat in. A chilled beam system (cooling radiators positioned at height) will be installed to reduce the ambient temperature overall. Slightly more than half of the energy used in the UK is used by buildings therefore good design is important in the fight against global warming.

A substantial grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has helped to fund the £20 million project that will be named The William Gates Building.

Project team are: Project manager - University of Cambridge Estate Management and Building Service; Contractor - Shepherd Construction Ltd; Architect/structural and building services - RMJM; Quantity Surveyor - Gardiner and Theobald


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