Genomics Partnership Wales, Cardiff

F P Hurley was awarded the mechanical and electrical building services package worth £6.3 million for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board’s (CAVUHB) medical research facility- Genomics Partnership in Cardiff. The project involved the refurbishment of a two storey building into a first class research facility significant in the on-going fight against human diseases. The new facility provides genetics laboratories, consultation rooms, treatment areas, office accommodation, seminar facilities, storage facilities and freezer rooms. The building, which previously contained laboratories and office space, also provides a containment level 2 laboratories to ensure compliance with HBN 15 facilities for pathology services and the advisory committee on Dangerous Pathogens’ Guidance on the Management and Operation of Microbiological Containment Laboratories.

Our mechanical scope of services included:

• LTHW heating.
• VRF air conditioning.
• Public health services
• Domestic hot and cold water services
• Chilled water
• Air handling units
• Mechanical ventilation
• Thermal insulation and BMS controls

Electrical services included:

• Lighting and power
• PV installation
• Structured cabling and data
• Access control system
• Fire detection and alarm
• Uninterrupted power supply and full generator back up

An innovative approach was needed to overcome challenges. With restricted access and no permanent crane on site the decision was made to manufacture, assemble and test the AHU’s off site at Airedale’s factory. This resulted in no attendance on site from the manufacturer and next to no time receiving and positioning the AHUs upon delivery. This saved time and money on the project. Upon positioning the Air Handling units, our ductwork contractor connected straight onto the units within hours of the AHUs landing on the roof.