Refrigeration - Education
A world-class, next-generation collaborative research facility designed to drive scientific innovation and revolutionise the diagnosis, understanding and treatment of disease through cutting-edge interdisciplinary research.
The state-of-the-art seven-storey, 7,500m² University Campus STEM was developed to promote world-leading interdisciplinary research, bringing together 29 specialist research groups and more than 200 researchers across biosciences, medicine, physics, engineering, mathematics and computer science.
Designed as a centre of excellence for advanced scientific research, the facility incorporates high-specification laboratories, bio-imaging suites, engineering and physics workspaces, and high-performance computing facilities. The building enables researchers to analyse and better understand the precise operation of living systems through collaborative innovation and cutting-edge technology.
With extensive experience in laboratory refrigeration and temperature-controlled environments, Bartlett were appointed by the main contractor to design, supply and install seven bespoke temperature-controlled rooms throughout the facility. The project included specialist environments ranging from controlled warm rooms operating at +30°C through to low-temperature freezer stores maintaining -21°C.
Utilising the expertise of Bartlett’s in-house design team and directly employed refrigeration engineers, the company delivered a complete turnkey solution from concept through to commissioning. The project presented significant technical challenges, including highly varied temperature requirements and exceptionally long refrigeration pipework routes exceeding 90 metres.
To overcome these challenges and ensure reliable long-term performance, Bartlett specified and installed bespoke semi-hermetic condensing units located on the roof of the building. The successful delivery of this complex installation demonstrates Bartlett’s expertise in commercial refrigeration, laboratory cooling systems, cold rooms, freezer rooms, temperature-controlled environments and specialist scientific research facilities across the South West and the UK.
Bartlett specialise in the design, installation, maintenance and servicing of laboratory refrigeration systems, cold storage facilities, environmental test chambers and temperature-controlled research environments for universities, healthcare facilities, pharmaceutical companies and scientific research institutions.
The project specification also required Bartlett to design and install integrated humidity control systems for each cold room, ensuring precise environmental conditions were maintained at all times. High-performance commercial dehumidifiers were incorporated into every temperature-controlled room to prevent condensation, protect sensitive research materials and maintain optimum operating conditions.
Through careful project management, detailed planning and the expertise of Bartlett’s directly employed engineers, the installation was completed ahead of the main construction programme and delivered within budget. The successful completion of the project further reinforces Bartlett’s reputation for delivering high-quality commercial refrigeration, laboratory cooling, ventilation and temperature-controlled solutions for scientific research facilities, universities and specialist commercial environments across the South West and the UK.
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