A BREEAM Outstanding Laboratory for Biomedical Research
BMJ Architects designed the Biomedical Sciences Annex at the University of St Andrews, creating a specialist research facility that supports the University’s ambition to expand its biomedical science capability and attract world-leading researchers. Developed for the School of Biology, the project provides a flexible environment for collaboration, discovery and future scientific growth. The building accommodates 132 researchers within open CL2 laboratories, supported by specialist imaging facilities, equipment rooms and a CL3 laboratory suite.
Designed for Collaboration and Discovery
The project was driven by a scientific vision to strengthen interaction between research groups and create opportunities for new academic appointments. Rather than treating laboratories as isolated technical environments, BMJ developed a building that encourages collaboration across disciplines while providing the specialist infrastructure required for advanced biomedical research. Shared facilities, visual connections and carefully planned circulation help bring researchers together and support the exchange of ideas.
Delivering highly serviced laboratory accommodation required a careful balance between technical performance and user experience. The facility combines specialist containment, imaging and research environments with write-up, office and support spaces, creating a workplace that supports both focused scientific activity and day-to-day collaboration. Flexibility was embedded throughout the design, allowing the building to respond to changing technologies, research priorities and future academic requirements.
Concept and Strategy
Sustainability was integral to the project from the outset. Laboratory buildings typically carry significant environmental demands, so the design focused on reducing operational energy use while maintaining the performance required for specialist research. The building achieved BREEAM Outstanding and EPC A, making it the first laboratory in the UK to achieve a BREEAM Outstanding rating. It also delivered a reported 54.2% reduction in carbon emissions and a 66.6% improvement over Building Regulations targets.
The project received a CEEDA Certified Energy Efficient Award and a Carbon Trust Sustainable Design commendation, recognising its combination of scientific excellence and environmental performance. More importantly, the Biomedical Sciences Annex provides the University of St Andrews with a future-ready platform for biomedical research, helping attract talent, support collaboration and enable scientific discovery for years to come.
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