Boyes Rees unveils £6m Welsh laboratory

Boyes Rees' £6m laboratory building for Glamorgan University has officially been opened this week.

The new building accommodates a range of high-tech laboratories for the faculty of health, sport and science.

These include a large physiology laboratory for the testing of human performance and health, as well as a ‘scenes of crime house’ and laboratories for forensic science students.

The simple and modern building has been designed to compliment the neighbouring Grade II listed building, and features coloured glass fins that represent the pH scale to symbolise the scientific function of the building.

The existing Grade II listed building has also been entirely refurbished by Boyes Rees, requiring the overhaul of the roof and parapets, the timber sash windows and existing interior features.

We felt that a simple and modern design was the most respectful response to the listed school building

Gary Loo, director at Boyes Rees Architects

Works also included the restoration of ceiling features and wood block flooring, as well as the removal of mezzanine floors that have been added to the original building.

The original building now accommodates administrative offices, learning and classroom facilities as well as some additional laboratory space.

Gary Loo, director at Boyes Rees Architects, said: “We felt that a simple and modern design was the most respectful response to the listed school building.

"We also wanted to project the state-of-the-art nature of the science courses at the University of Glamorgan and felt that a modern design was most appropriate for this purpose.