Department of Chemistry at University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge required the refurbishment of the existing Chemistry laboratories G63–72, located in Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge – a Design and Build project, procured on a two stage tender.

The original building was constructed in 1961, and accommodates organic, inorganic, and radiochemical research alongside advanced teaching laboratories for organic, physical, and theoretical chemistry, and junior undergraduate classes.

Due to restricted access from a historic perimeter treeline and a maintenance underpass, we constructed a scaffolding deck on the north-facing side of the building. This deck, built over a week, served as a base for the modular site cabin, which was craned into position from the adjacent, high-traffic A603 road. The raised deck served as a material and personnel access point to the building for the team, via a removed first-floor window set. Materials were lifted to the access level using a hoist, positioned on the eastern side of the deck.

The refurbishment began with the careful demolition of internal walls and ceilings, stripping back to the steel trusses, while retaining the original wall layout for the new installation. The client wished to retain the flooring, so preparations to sand and coat post works were accounted for before construction.

Internal services were stripped back throughout the area, allowing for the installation of a new M&E and internal partitioning. We also installed two fume cupboards, providing a new supply and essential safety equipment to the labs.

With the site remaining live, an internal corridor needed to be retained for use, so we boarded and sealed the desired pathway, mitigating disruption for the students and staff.