Nucleus is a £48m four storey learning and teaching facility built within the King’s Buildings Campus at the University of Edinburgh, creating a vibrant hub which expands undergraduate teaching while also providing a new focus to the campus heart. The building is an attractive place of study with a variety of facilities that enhance the learning experience, allowing students to spend more time on campus.
Metal Technology worked closely with architects Sheppard Robson and fabricator Avtek Solutions to develop a glazing solution which seamlessly integrates manual and actuated inward opening windows within the curtain walling, as part of the ventilation strategy. It incorporates bespoke perforated profile barriers, screening the window openings that coordinate with the adjacent wall cladding and architectural features.
Nucleus contains contemporary lecture theatres, teaching laboratories, study spaces, student services, catering outlets and a shop and brings together many aspects of campus life under one roof, with direct links to the Noreen and Kenneth Murray Library and King’s Buildings House. The project won in the Large Project category at the 2023 EAA Awards.
Features include:
– A central atrium, providing views around the building and out to woodland area
– Breakout / group pods / touchdown spaces which can be used for group work and social learning spaces
– Group study rooms
– Secluded and partially enclosed study spaces to allow for quieter and more private study
– A 400 seat lecture theatre
– A 132 seat teaching studio
– Two 300 seat lecture theatres including a turn and learn format and an adaptable theatre that can be used for events out-with term time
– Two 150 seat lecture theatres including a theatre designed in a collaborative layout
– 100 student teaching lab with 50 fume hoods
– Secure storage for student possessions
– External area for events
Metal Technology systems installed:
System 17 Capped Curtain Walling, incl. feature Flat Cap.
System 5-35Hi+ T&T Windows.
System 4-35Hi+ Automated Smoke Control Vents to BS EN 12101-2
System 10-35Hi+ High Insulation Commercial Doors
System 23 P50 Louvres
