Desco completes Durham University Math's and Computer Science's Project
Desco was appointed, as part of the client design team, by Durham University to deliver the mechanical and electrical services design to RIBA Stage 3 and client monitoring role, on the new £42m Maths and Computer Sciences Building at the university’s campus at Upper Mountjoy.
The new world class home for mathematical science and computer science has recently been handed over to the university, providing state-of-the-art facilities, spread over 4 floors, for students and researchers, including teaching accommodation, lecture theatres, seminar rooms, offices, catering facilities, computer suites, meeting rooms, a library, social/breakout areas, student learning zones and research labs including the Hazan Venture lab dedicated to housing student enterprise activity.
The building benefits from a number of sustainable features including natural ventilation, a cost effective solution for the client; a hybrid VRF system was installed which is one of the first systems of its kind to be installed in the North East of England. Photovoltaics were also installed on the roof of the building.
Integration between staff and students is at the centre of the building design philosophy, fostering further collaboration between the two departments whilst also acting as a focal point for their engagement with industry.
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the launch event was held virtually on the 18th March 2021 and featured a special guest, Dame Stephanie Shirley, celebrated tech pioneer, entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Desco enjoys a long and successful relationship with Durham University that spans over a decade, we have delivered a broad range of M&E consultancy services from conditional surveys and feasibility studies through to detailed design in order to provide continually improving campus facilities which are efficient and fit for purpose.
The Maths and Computer Sciences project sits at the heart of the University Campus, it’s a fantastic building that provides students and researchers with the space and facilities, such as specialist laboratories enabling them to carry out ground-breaking research. It has been a privilege to be part of the project, we look forward to the students now being in a position to utilise this great new addition to the campus.