Pascall+Watson were selected by Aberystwyth University to design two new laboratory buildings for their newly established faculty, the Institute for Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS). The flagship development project also included refurbishment works to the existing research and teachings laboratories, as well as enhancement infrastructure to the Gogerddan campus.  

Facilities at Penglais include multi-purpose flexible CL1 and CL2 microbiology laboratories for plant sciences, hot desk academic open plan space, shared cellular academic offices, flexible seminar rooms, a cafeteria and informal & formal meeting areas. This project was run concurrently with an adjacent refurbishment scheme which included the redesign of several CL3 microbiology laboratory and CL2 general research laboratories, amendments to staff and student offices, cold rooms, photographic suites as well as substantial upgrades to plant provision.  

The buildings are 90% (Penglais) and 100% (Gogerddan) passively ventilated in the public areas. The whole development attained a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and won two Sustainability Awards from the BRE for Best Building in the Education Sector in England and Wales.