University of Birmingham, UK

Project Overview

The £60 million Molecular Sciences building project, a collaboration between the University of Birmingham and Morgan Sindall, aims to enhance research and education facilities. Dura Composites’ Riser solutions was used for efficient installation and enhanced construction site safety.

Perfect combination of strength, safety and adaptability on site.

This £60 million project to construct a new Molecular Sciences building is a partnership between the University of Birmingham and Morgan Sindall Construction. The aim of the project is to strengthen the University’s research capabilities and foster an environment for research and education. The site was originally a sports facility known as the Munrow Building and had more recently been used as a car park.

Designed by Associated Architects, the new 12,790 sqm hub building is a concrete and steel frame structure. We are the leading designer, manufacturer and installer of steel-supported GRP riser flooring systems for new builds or refurbishments, Morgan Sindall Construction turned to Dura Composites to supply and install its patented steel-supported GRP riser flooring system and d² Dura Grating. This ensured the 6 metre by 2.5 metre riser void coverings on each floor were installed to the correct standards and that project timelines were met efficiently.

Dura Riser solutions can eliminate the need for scaffold handrails, netting or timber shuttering and can be ‘Post-fixed’ or ‘Cast-in’ to concrete as a fully structural solution to help reduce the risk of death or serious injury on construction sites. In this project, a combination of 45mm Mini Mesh and 35mm Mini Mesh d² Dura Grating products were used as the structural flooring surface to meet the differing load requirements of the various areas, supported by our patented steel framework system which offers the perfect combination of strength, safety and adaptability on site.

Morgan Sindall Construction worked closely with the University and the Architects to minimize the building’s carbon footprint. They estimate they so far have saved over 260 tonnes of carbon through efficient design development.

We are committed to providing the best facilities for staff and students. This building demonstrates our dedication to providing a vibrant space to encourage new ways of thinking, encouraging interdisciplinary work and new opportunities amongst our researchers, industry and partner institutions.

Professor Adam Tickell

Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Birmingham

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