University science building wins major award

A new Science and Engineering building at the University of Salford has been recognised as one of the best designed in the North West.

Salford’s School of Science, Engineering and Environment (SEE) building combines specialist workshops and laboratories with flexible social spaces. It was recognised by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) at an awards ceremony this month.

At the heart of Peel Park Campus, it is a fully electric facility that supports modern educational needs with state-of-the-art spaces for architecture, robotics, computing, and engineering subjects, including a strong floor with a 7 tonne crane, Class 2 laser facilities, and specialist testing laboratories. The building was completed in September 2022, on time and on budget.

A central, naturally lit four storey atrium enables collaboration, connecting flexible teaching spaces, labs and research environments. Breakout areas and informal study zones encourage interaction, while showcase spaces allow students and staff to exhibit work.

The design prioritises accessibility, with inclusive features shaped by early consultation, and achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ through a fabric first approach and mixed mode ventilation.

The judges said: “The building’s distinctive pattern of regular windows set into splayed reveals, painted red, gives it an immediate impact and strong identity. Contrasting with the regular solid façade of punched windows is the double-height glazed corner to the square which defines the entrance and provides a ‘shop window’ for the exciting engineering activities within. The simple palette of bold industrial materials, painted in bright colours, continues with a yellow-painted steel frame structure.

“This building is flexible, with the ability for the facilities management team to change and update the operational technology an important aspect of the brief. The final, wider strip of accommodation houses the larger engineering and other specialist spaces. It is the simplicity of this layout that provides clarity when moving around such a large and functionally complex building.”

Interim Dean of the School of Science, Engineering and Environment, Brodie McAdam said: “We are delighted, honoured but not surprised that the SEE Building has won a design award. The external aspect of the building makes a bold statement in the campus environment but the real strength of the building is its usability. The light and airy atrium areas encourage collaboration and informal engagement whilst the flexible learning spaces facilitate student success.”