This is the sister project of the first NMR facility that we created for the University in 2020, so we are utilising our experience gained there to ensure we maximise our efficiency during this complex build.
This involves the design and construction of a magnet hall, control room and plant room to house a 1.2GHz nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer, together with associated services installations and alterations to hard and soft landscaping.
Deeley Construction originally installed a 1.0 GHz NMR spectrometer during the first NMR build, so this will advance their capabilities further to carry out research in how to make more efficient plant biofuels, improve batteries and solar cells.
Scientists from across the UK will have access to use the spectrometer, while students can gain experience at the forefront of research.
Due to the tight nature of the site, the site team have to work closely with the suppliers, as gases are delivered to a compound within the site boundary, so it’s vital to ensure that the materials are delivered and stored safely.
All of the existing services diversions took place during the May bank holiday to minimise distruption and mitigate any university down time.
The site team also undertook extra cable testing to the whole of Milburn House for the university whilst the block was shut down.
The project was unique in the fact that all metals within the building were required to be non-ferrous i.e. non-magnetic, this went down to the rebar in the foundations! This specification ensured that the operation of the NMR machine was unaffected.
Sustainability:
Local contractors were utilised throughout the build, with us procuring 100% of our supply chain from within 30 miles of the site.
Our Design Team worked with the university to increase the U values, which improves thermal efficiency.
We installed a feeder pillar whilst on site from the substation at Millburn House for the adjacent JLR building to enable them to install new EV charging parking spaces.
The plants that we planted during landscaping at the existing NMR facility were dug up and will be carefully replanted at the end of NMR 2.
To assist with the ‘circular economy’ aspect of the build any materials that could be reused have been, this included the block paving which was cleaned, stored and will be reused at the end of the project.
