DB3 Science & Labs

DB3 Science & Labs Project Experience

About DB3 Founded in 1883, DB3 Group is an award-winning, dynamic practice consisting of DB3 Architecture & Design, DB3 Building Services Engineering, DB3 Net Zero, DB3 Professional Services, Formation 3D and Home & Maker.

DB3 Group has seven studios across the UK including in Leeds, London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff and Aberystwyth, so we are never too far away from your project.

Renowned for our quality design and technical delivery, we have long standing relationships with some of the biggest global brands across private and public market sectors.

From architectural vision to the completed build, we provide multi-disciplinary expertise aimed at meeting the diverse needs of our client base. We embrace the latest technology, including Building Information Modelling (BIM), to assist in our

process and operations for design, visualisation, design team co-ordination and more.

We maintain a focus on not only delivering the project on time, with exceptional quality and within cost, but also in ensuring long term value is designed into facilities to ensure that they are easy and safe to operate, sustainable, minimise energy use and are cost effective to maintain.

Our dedicated team of experienced Architects, Project Managers, Building Services Engineers, Interior Designers and Surveyors provide a quality service regardless of project value, size or complexity, to deliver the best for our clients.

Working collaboratively, we aspire to make this an enjoyable process and build relationships which result in us returning to work for the same clients on future projects.

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EXPERTISE Architecture Passivhaus Design Urban Design Visualisation Principal Designer NEC Supervisor Modern Methods of Construction Building Services Engineering

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About DB3

SECTORS Commercial Conservation & Heritage Education Energy & Waste Healthcare Hospitality Industrial & Manufacturing Retail Residential Science & Labs Sports & Leisure

Advanced Spaces for the World of Research DB3 possesses expertise in the design and management of science and laboratory projects, ranging from individual units to expansive, intricately orchestrated industrial developments.

Our experience spans the entire project lifecycle, from conception to execution.

Our capabilities encompass various aspects, including the creation of high-technology laboratory spaces for semi-permanent research

studies, the development of university teaching laboratories and the design of pharmaceutical and production facilities. Additionally, we specialise in Controlled Environment and Clean Design solutions.

We provide a range of services within this sector including a full architectural design service as well as MEP Building Services and Technical Advisory roles.

Image credit: Hydrock

SWANSEA UNIVERSITY, SINGLETON CAMPUS

Haldane Simulation Centre Location: Swansea, Glamorgan Expertise Area: Architecture

Additionally, a suite of mock inpatient bedrooms was integrated, facilitating scenario training with sophisticated mannequins. While the project primarily focused on internal reconfiguration, external upgrades such as window replacement and façade cleaning were also implemented.

Working within the constraints of the existing structure, the project aimed to optimise the arrangement of teaching spaces while preserving the original fabric. The integration of hightech audio-visual equipment, especially in the simulation suites, demanded meticulous coordination of services. The successful completion of the project positions it as the largest simulation-based teaching facility of its kind in Europe.

DB3 Science & Labs

DB3 assumed the role of lead designer for the design and execution of the Haldane building reconfiguration at the Singleton Campus, catering to Swansea University’s need for an advanced simulation centre. Primarily tailored for medical students, the simulation centre extends its services to students specialising in occupational health and paramedic medicine. The project centred on reshaping a two-storey teaching block, introducing innovative spaces, including six simulation suites (comprising immersive rooms, control rooms, and adjoining classrooms), a mock operating theatre (with scrub and anaesthetic rooms) and a simulated residential flat for occupational therapy training.

WELSH ASSEMBLY GOVERNMENT

Life Sciences Hub Location: Hull, Yorkshire Expertise Area: Architecture DB3 acted as Interior Designer and Architect for the refurbishment of the second floor of 2 Assembly Square, Cardiff, to create a new Life Science Hub on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government. The Hub is a national and international focal point and nerve centre for life sciences in Wales, and is a resource for the whole of the sector including academic, business, clinical and funding organisations.

The scheme provides 1,190m2 of office accommodation with new finishes throughout. The purpose of the space is to stimulate interaction, innovation, networking and collaboration, as well as facilitating jobs and blue chip investment. We

developed the design in conjunction with the key stakeholders delivering a multitude of challenging design and planning objectives.

We worked with client stakeholders to design in features that allowed for collaborative working.

The main open plan work area includes a combination of meeting areas designed to foster collaboration including open drop-in areas and formal group rooms. The boardroom with views over Cardiff Bay has bespoke leather clad walls with slate-backed display recesses. Further areas of activity and collaboration include a coffee bar and soft seating area.

GROWUP FARMS

Pepperness Vertical Farm Location: Sandwich, Kent Expertise Area: Architecture

While the previous function of the building was lettuce cultivation, the new facility provides GrowUp Farms with the capability to explore diverse crops, including heritage seed varieties that pose challenges in conventional cultivation.

This aligns with the long-term vision of vertical farming as a sustainable response to climate change and supply chain challenges, ensuring a consistent supply of salad vegetables.

Image credit: GrowUp Farms

In terms of the architectural design by DB3, the internal layout of the administration space was crafted with precision to meet the specific requirements outlined in the client’s brief. The two floors house essential amenities, including changing facilities, a driver’s breakroom and a client-facing atrium/reception space on the ground floor. The first floor incorporates various functional spaces such as hot-desking office areas, a client-oriented Product Test Kitchen, a staff recreational area with kitchen facilities, meeting rooms, private offices and a Control Room overseeing factory floor operations.

DB3 Science & Labs

DB3, as the appointed architects for the project, played a crucial role in the development of GrowUp Farms’ state-of-the-art Vertical Farm and Research & Development facility.

SWANSEA UNIVERSITY, SINGLETON CAMPUS

Wallace Building Location: Swansea, Glamorgan Expertise Areas: Architecture DB3 were appointed to refurbish and reconfigure existing laboratory spaces within the Grade II Listed Wallace Building at the Singleton Campus for Swansea University. The existing labs were in need of an upgrade to ensure compliance with current standards and to allow analytical equipment to be used in support of new course teaching and research requirements. The existing lab furniture was in a poor state of repair and lacked adequate storage and provisions for disabled users. A new work-flow also required adjacencies to be reorganised and some larger laboratory spaces to be introduced through

removal of existing partitions. DB3 liaised closely with the services consultant and specialist lab furniture provider to coordinate new benching and fume cupboards as well bench-level services and specialist equipment.

Some challenges overcome by the team included the coordination of services within the floor and ceiling zones to ensure free-standing bench arrangements. Existing original features such as floor finishes and door architraves also had to be retained and incorporated with the agreement of the local conservation officer.

SWANSEA UNIVERSITY, SINGLETON CAMPUS

Glyndwr Building New Psychology Lab Location: Swansea, Glamorgan Expertise Areas: Architecture

Image credit: Swansea University

space for paediatrics and babies where sleep disorders need assessing and treating.

The project involved challenges relating to minimal headroom and a constrained footprint which required careful coordination of services and space planning. The new labs are also located at a different level to the adjacent Wellbeing Academy so careful integration of new stairs and stair lift was required to ensure accessibility.

DB3 Science & Labs

Having previously completed the Health & Wellbeing Academy within the Glyndwr Building, DB3 were asked to refurbish and reconfigure an adjoining area to provide a new ‘Psychology Lab’ facility. The new space provides testing and diagnostic provisions for a number of psychological conditions with principally a focus on sleep. The lab includes a ‘Faraday Cage’ to allow neurological testing as well as a pair of ensuite bedrooms to allow sleep monitoring. The lab also provides examination and consultation

PUBLIC HEALTH WALES

Microbiology Services Feasibility Location: Cardiff, Glamorgan Expertise Areas: Architecture DB3 were appointed by Public Health Wales to carry out a detailed feasibility study to analyse the existing microbiology facilities at the University Hospital Wales and to recommend a preliminary brief for a possible off-site facility. The project required close liaison with the hospital microbiology team to understand their workflow and priorities for a potential new facility.

We analysed the current facility, focussing on

space utilisation and compliance with relevant healthcare guidance in order to prepare adjacency diagrams and schedules of accommodation. This allowed benchmarking and comparison with other facilities and also preliminary cost-checking to inform business case applications and other strategic decisions.

THE FOOD & ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH FACILITY

Bio Refinery Location: York, Yorkshire Expertise Area: Architecture

The scheme is planned to extend the comprehensive 55-acre Central Science Laboratory research facility.

We worked with the team as Lead Designers integrating the requirements of the development engineers and liaising with local authority planners and funder bodies to achieve the proposals on the greenfield site.

Designs included: •

A re-fit of the existing laboratory block to create a fully equipped office and laboratory space

•

Strip-out & fit-out of an existing grain store to create a fully equipped process facility

•

Creation of a bunded store for raw and waste materials

We have continued to look at a number of research projects based on the CSL site since initial delivery.

DB3 Science & Labs

DB3 was commissioned to prepare detailed design proposals for a Government funded bio-refinery research facility based at Sand Hutton, York. The design for the project was developed on behalf of DEFRA and FERA.

SMITHERS VISCIENT

Environmental Research Laboratory Location: Harrogate, Yorkshire Expertise Area: Architecture & Principal Designer DB3 was appointed as architect and principal design team leaders for a new purpose built environmental research laboratory located in Harrogate on behalf of Smithers Viscient.

Smithers Viscient is a global Contract Research Organisation (CRO) providing environmental testing, ecotoxicology, and regulatory services for the crop protection, seed technology, pharmaceutical, industrial chemical and the consumer and household product industries.

With laboratories located in North America and Europe, Smithers Viscient has performed standard guideline and higher-tiered environmental studies for over 40 years. Smithers Viscient conducts studies to satisfy all regulatory requirements globally. Services include ecotoxicology, avian toxicology, environmental fate, metabolism and residue, analytical and product chemistry.

The building houses new scientific equipment for the company, including quantitative and qualitative mass spectrometers, including API5000 Sciex and a Thermo Fisher Q-Exactive. The client also relocated an ecotoxicology laboratory from Shawbury to provide services under one roof within the new facility.

DB3 Science & Labs

DB3 assisted the client to deliver a purpose-built laboratory to provide 16,000 sqft of high quality Environmental Testing Laboratories. Our works included the development of designs for specialist category research laboratories in both existing and new buildings. The laboratories are created to support environmental research and we worked closely with the scientific team and specialist equipment suppliers to integrate unusual processes and environments into the facility.

NESTLÉ

Quality Assurance Centre NQAC Location: York, Yorkshire Expertise Area: Architecture DB3 was appointed to progress with a refurbishment and extension project to the NQAC labs at York. The labs had to remain fully functional during the works. The project consisted of a reconfiguration and adaptations to the testing labs and technical offices alongside updating the reception and entrance areas. Plant areas had to be formed and the roof re-configured to allow the additional climate control and filtration required to the dated facility. A general update

of all services and additional plant to meet the new testing labs standards. DB3 coordinated all design input through planning applications, health and safety, tender and delivery as a traditional contract. The quality labs were in continuous use and alterations had to be formed in a hygienic food safe environment complimenting the existing facilities but allowing the upgrade of the existing as a further phase of works.

THIS

Innovation Centre Location: Chiswick, London Expertise Area: Architecture

The brief was to convert the existing 19th century building into an Innovation Centre, with a vision to create a high end state of the art facility that looks like no other. We coordinated with all members of the Design and Project Teams to collaborate in

creating this unique facility which includes open pilot plant area, laboratories, mix area, wash/clean area, raw materials, refrigeration and freezer stores, changing areas, meetings spaces, Board Room, office space, industrial kitchen and sensory lab with servery opening to meeting rooms. The proposed spaces provide flexibility for future change/expansion.

DB3 Science & Labs

DB3 were appointed as architects for a new product development suite for THIS, the plant based food manufacturer.

UNIVERISTY OF HULL

Chemistry Building Location: Hull, Yorkshire Expertise Area: Architecture DB3 submitted designs as part of a competition to act as Lead Architect in relation to a substantive extension to the Biomedical facilities at the University of Hull.

The focal point of our submission revolved around the creation of a statement-building, a beacon of innovation and functionality seamlessly integrated into the University’s existing infrastructure. The proposed design was meticulously tailored to meet the demanding requirements of biomedical facilities, incorporating cutting-edge features and state-of-the-art technology to enhance the overall research and development capabilities of the institution.

The envisioned structure, spanning an impressive 1000 square metres, showcased our commitment to spatial efficiency and strategic planning.

Our team prioritised a seamless integration of form and function, ensuring that every square metre served a purpose in facilitating the diverse range of activities housed within the building.

The design aimed not only to meet the present needs of the University of Hull but also to provide flexibility for future advancements in biomedical research and education.

SWANSEA UNIVERSITY

Chemistry Department Location: Swansea, Wales Expertise Area: Architecture & Principal Designer

Following the completion of a feasibility study DB3 were appointed to act as Architect and Principal Designer on the project.

The proposal was developed in conjunction with stakeholders, technical and research staff,

together with assistance of staff from other academic institutions and industry experts.

The design seeks to facilitate learning by embracing current exemplars of chemistry teaching, requiring an innovative open plan layout supported by state of the art IT and other support facilities.

The aim of the project was to reintroduce Swansea University as a Centre of excellence for the teaching of Chemistry.

DB3 Science & Labs

This project comprises the creation of a new University Chemistry department, including teaching and research laboratories, within an existing academic building, carried out in two phases.

EMERSON

Control Technologies Drives Location: Ty Rheoli, Newtown, Wales Expertise Area: Architecture & Design DB3 acted as Concept Designer, Architect and Employers Agent for several phases of work to the production headquarters of Control Techniques Drives Ltd at Ty Rheoli, Newtown, Powys. The company is a specialist manufacturer of AC and DC variable speed drives and is now a subsidiary of the Emerson Industrial Automation group.

Involvement in the initial phases of work was primarily as Architect and Project Co-ordinator to the Welsh Development Agency (and previously the Development Board for Rural Wales) who

developed the facilities on the behalf of the company.

The most significant phase of work involved the construction of a new PCB production plant, a high bay warehouse and three storey office block for the company bringing the overall area of the plant to approximately 125,000ft².

The work also involved the construction of a reception hub at the centre of the site to provide a visitor entrance, training theatre and marketing suite.

UNIVERSITY OF HUDDERSFIELD

Institute of Rail Research Location: Huddersfield, Yorkshire Expertise Areas: Architecture

Design team co-ordination was key and the creation of fully co-ordinated drawings across all disciplines at an early stage allowed the research teams to evaluate the optimum layout for their requirements.

The civil engineering works associated with structure, power and cooling have been developed, working closely with the research

team and equipment specialists responsible for developing the bespoke test rigs for rail wheels and bogies. Workshops were held with equipment developers and the research team to create the right environment to allow the research to develop.

The facility is unique in Europe, incorporating first of a kind heavy engineering test and research rigs. It has been specifically developed to house theoretical engineering testing on railway bogies and wheels at high speed. Noise, vibration, loadings and power were all major factors to evaluate and, as the performance was unknown, predictions made to allow the design of the laboratory to be completed.

DB3 Science & Labs

DB3 acted as Architect for a major refurbishment and alteration project to create a new Institute of Railway Research Centre facility on behalf of the University of Huddersfield. We worked closely with the individual client teams to evaluate the exacting briefs and environments required for their research needs.

UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER

115 New Cavendish Street Location: London Expertise Areas: Architecture DB3 was appointed to a four year framework agreement for Architectural services, on behalf of the University of Westminster. The practice completed a commission to extend an existing university facility at 115 New Cavendish Street, London.

The building provides facilities for the Schools of Biochemistry and Computer Science and the scheme designed creates additional library space.

This expansion of space is created by the addition of a further storey to the building.

The extension provides: library/quiet working space, computer workstations, break out spaces, discussion space and toilets.

DEFRA

DNA Forensics Suite Location: York, Yorkshire Expertise Area: Architecture

The work included an array of specialist clean room and laboratory detailing, working with specialist suppliers and contractors.

The scheme provides a suite of laboratories that allow the process of forensic investigation in a safe, secure and unquestionable environment.

Features include:

Clean room facilities

Scanners

Bio-contact measures

Specialist servicing

Cold storage for samples

Controlled access & security.

DB3 Science & Labs

Following the original Central Science Laboratory Campus project at York, DB3 subsequently completed a new DNA forensics suite within the existing structure.

Architecture and much more As a multi-disciplinary consultancy, our expertise extends beyond architecture, meaning our clients can pick and choose key areas or combine a number of our service skill sets and project management skills when selecting our single point service offer. DB3 Group offers the following six individual business units.

DB3 Building Services Engineering Offering CIBSE Chartered Mechanical and Electrical Engineering to all sectors. The team have particular experience in the leisure sector, having delivered numerous wet and dry leisure facilities across the UK. The team are CIBSE Low Carbon Energy Assessors and offer Thermal Modelling (DSM).

Formation 3D (F3D) Drone operated aerial surveys, photography and videography by DB3’s in-house CAA qualified drone operators. A low risk, time efficient alternative for building inspections and land surveys. F3D also offers highly accurate 3D data capture & mapping of existing structures using point cloud, RTK and PPK technology, turning into 3D digital models for construction, design & facilities management projects.

DB3 Net Zero Drawing on the experience of our in-house mechanical & electrical engineers, architects, energy assessors, Passivhaus designers and sustainability experts. Our suite of Net Zero consultancy services is broken down into six categories which cover topics around whole life cycle. These categories include; Carbon, Efficiency, Passivhaus, Wellbeing, Performance & Compliance.

DB3 Professional Services The team deliver building surveying, retail project management, principal designer, contract administration and NEC supervisor roles, across the UK. Working alongside DB3’s architectural and M&E teams, these roles can be incorporated into a multi-disciplinary offering or procured as an independent service.

Home & Maker A sister company to DB3 Architecture & Design, Home and Maker provides RIBA chartered online architectural services to domestic residential customers. Drawing on DB3’s many years of home design and construction experience, Home & Maker focuses on designing great homes at an affordable price.

About DB3

DB3 Architecture & Design Providing RIBA Chartered sustainable architecture, urban design and masterplanning, with supporting services including BIM, visualisation and interior design. DB3’s architectural team comprises 35+ architects, supported by a strong team of 50+ technologists and architectural assistants with the capacity to resource projects across all sectors.

Accreditations AJ100 Company RIBA Chartered Practice Certified Passivhaus Designers CIAT Registered Practice CIBSE Directory of Practices & Firms CIBSE Low Carbon Energy Assessors ISO9001:2015 Quality Management System ISO14001:2015 Environmental Management System Altius Approved Elite Vendor H&S SSIP Accredited, through Eurosafe and Alcumus Constructionline Gold Member Achilles RISQS Accredited Cyber Essentials Plus

Awards DB3 Group: Winner - Yorkshire Insider Awards 2023 ‘Architecture Practice of the Year’; Shortlisted West Midlands Insider Awards 2023 ‘Architecture Practice of the Year’; Shortlisted - COBBA 2023 ‘Business Development Professional’; Shortlisted - UKREiiF Awards 2023 ‘Consultant of the Year’ & ‘People & Skills Torchbearer’; Shortlisted COMBA 2023 ‘Architecture Practice & Business Development Professional’; Shortlisted - Grafters Awards 2023 ‘Architecture Practice’; Winner – COMBA & COBBA 2022 ‘Architect of the Year’; 2021 Digital Enterprise Top 100; Winner – Insider Property Awards 2018 ‘Architectural Practice of the Year’ & ‘Design Excellence’; Shortlisted – BD Awards 2017 ‘Sports & Leisure Architect of the Year’; RICS Design Through Innovation Award 2017; Insider Property Industry Awards 2015 ‘Highly Commended Architectural Firm of the Year’

MOMA Machynlleth Tannery Gallery: CPRW Awards 2014 ‘Special Award’

Helensburgh Waterfront Development: Highly Commended - Argyll & Bute Awards 2023 ‘Aesthetic Design’; Finalist - Planning Awards 2023 ‘Outstanding Contribution to Placemaking: Best Use of Arts, Culture or Sport’; Highly Commended IStructE Awards 2022 ‘Leisure Project’

University of Huddersfield, Creative Art Building: Bronze Awards – RIBA White Rose Award 2009; Commendation – CIAT Award 2009; Shortlisted – RICS Pro Yorkshire Awards 2009

Llys Cadwyn Regeneration: Winner – Cardiff Property Awards 2021 and Ystadau Cymru 2021 Award for ‘Creating Economic Growth’; Highly Commended – British Construction Industry Awards 2021; CLAW Project of the Year Awards 2021 Adidas Oxford Street: Gold Winner – London Design Awards 2020 Leeds College of Music: Winner – RIBA Regional Award 2015 ‘Small Project Award’; Shortlisted – Insider Property Industry Awards Yorkshire 2018 ‘Regeneration Project of the Year’, Education Estates Awards 2018 ‘Refurbishment Project’, AJ Retrofit Awards 2018 ‘Further & Higher Education’; Constructing Excellence Yorkshire & Humber Awards 2018 ‘Building Project of the Year’ Chancery Lane Residential: Shortlisted – London Construction Awards 2018 ‘London Build Excellence’ & ‘Regeneration Project’ Airedale Air Conditioning: Winner – RICS 2017 Regional Award ‘Design through innovation’ Ysgol Craig Y Deryn School: RTPI Wales Planning Award 2014 Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre: Commended – SCALA Awards 2014 ‘Civic Building of the Year’

Michael Woods Leisure Centre: Highly Commended – SCALA Awards 2014 ‘Civic Building of the Year’; Scottish Property Awards 2014 ‘Architectural Excellence’ Marks & Spencer, Liverpool: Highly Commended – CIAT Award 2010 ‘Technical Excellence’ PAN Emirates, Dubai: Shortlisted – Retail Interiors Awards 2010 ‘Best International Interior’ Threeways School, Bath: BCSE Awards 2009 ‘Inspiring Design for Special Schools’ ASDA Stores Supplier Awards: 2009 ‘Best Consultant’ & ‘Best EDLC (Every Day Low Cost) Initiative’

University of Huddersfield, Milton Centre: Winner – Insider Yorkshire Renaissance Awards 2006 ‘Best Restoration Project’ Aberdovey Yacht Club: Winner – Snowdonia National Park Awards 1992 ‘Good Design in the Countryside Award’ St Giles Business Park for the DBRW: Winner – Prince of Wales Design Awards 1990 ‘Good Design Awards’ Llwydcoed Crematorium: Winner - RIBA Wales Architecture Awards 1971 Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS): 2017, 2011, 2010 Green Apple Awards: 2015, 2013, 2010, 2009, 2008 LABC Building Excellence Awards: 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 LABC Design Excellence Awards: 2013, 2012, 2009, 2008, 2003, 2002 Leicestershire & Rutland Craftsmanship Awards: 2013, 2012, 2009, 2008, 2003, 2002 Civic Trust Awards: 2012, 2007, 2006, 1993, 1990 BREEAM Awards: 2008, 2007 Montgomeryshire Design Awards: 1997, 1994

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0113 244 6931 contact@db3group.com www.dbgroup.com