The research station and greenhouse at the Gogerddan campus at Aberystwyth University creates a range of artificial conditions allowing students and researchers at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) to monitor the growth and response of plants under various climates. The intricate construction process saw 1,274 polycarbonate panes used within the greenhouse.

The 1,500 m2 research facility and 750 m2 greenhouse will help develop collaborations with international scientists as it’s one of only a few of its type in Wales. The facility will aid research into climate change, crop improvement, global agriculture and plant growth.

The two buildings also have their own environmental features, including sedum roofs, rainwater harvesting, natural ventilation and sustainable timber cladding with a biomass boiler at Gogerddan and ground source heat pumps at Penglais – all of which helped the project achieve BREEAM Excellent.

It’s the latest in a series of BREEAM Excellent projects built by Willmott Dixon in Wales, including projects for the University of Wales, Newport, Cardiff University, Swansea University and Cardiff Metropolitan University.

Willmott Dixon has also recently completed an additional project for Aberystwyth University. The two-storey 2,000 m2 teaching block on the Penglais Campus was completed in December and incorporates seminar rooms, offices, a café, social spaces, computer rooms; all linked by bridges to the adjacent buildings on campus.

Neal Stephens, Willmott Dixon managing director in Wales said: “Willmott Dixon has an extensive track record in science and technology research facilities and we are pleased to have strengthened this further by being part of this pioneering project for Aberystwyth University. Its vision and passion for the new facilities really drove us forward.”