Client: Univeristy of Cambridge
Architects: Jestico + Whiles Architects
Engineers: Ramboll
Main Contractor: Bouygues UK
Façade Contractor: Prism Architectural Ltd

The University of Cambridge’s new £300 million Cavendish Laboratory replaces the previous facilities and provides a new world-class centre for the Department of Physics, bringing together all of the research groups into one location.

The flagship building has been named The Ray Dolby Centre, in recognition of the funding contribution from the Ray Dolby Estate and his pioneering work.

It houses a range of laboratories, offices, clean rooms, workshops and lecture theatres. The basement area incorporates specialist acoustic and vibration treatments to achieve the stringent control criteria necessary for operating equipment that is highly sensitive to vibration.

Beyond the technical aspects, particular attention has been paid to the environment, with the building designed to achieve a BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) Excellent rating.

Bouygues UK were involved from the start on the scheme, working alongside the University of Cambridge’s existing project team to develop proposals for the new world-class facility.

The design, by Jestico + Whiles architects, specified FIEGER FLW 32 glass louvre vents to provide both general ventilation and emergency smoke control.

Working closely with the architects and the façade contractor, Prism Architectural Ltd, a total of 17 no. FIEGER FLW 32_17 SmoTec louvre windows were supplied, each comprising Saint-Gobain solar control double-glazing; using toughened panes outside and laminated inside.

All of the units were manufactured in a silver anodized finish to match the surrounding facade mullions and transoms.

The vents were supplied complete with Gröninger ML 1500 24V DC actuators, fitted to the side-frames. This motor was selected due to its safety feature of being programmable for anti-trapping, as well as the built-in auxiliary contacts, which meant it could be easily connected to the Building Management System.

To facilitate installation into the curtain walling, the vents were manufactured with integral 17 x 32 mm glazing adapters and were supplied in sections for ease of handling on site.

All FIEGER products are tested to a range of European Standards, including EN 12101-2 for natural smoke vents, as well as to BS 6180: 2011 for barrier-loading and achieved Class 5A for watertightness under EN 12208.

An overall U-value of 1.90 W/m2 K was achieved, which with a Class 4 rating in accordance with EN 12207, provides a highly energy efficient feature.

FIEGER Products
Application: Ventilation & Smoke Control
Type: FLW32 SmoTec
Colour: Silver Anodized