The first phase of the Bernal Building will consist of a new four storey structure (plus plant rooms at roof level) with a gross floor area 7,650 sq. m.
Accommodation will comprise offices, engineering and scientific research laboratory facilities with associated support spaces, write-up areas, meeting rooms, and a 200-seat conference theatre with associated break out area. There will be a wide 2-storey link to the new MSSi extension building. Phase 2 will be approximately 6, 000 sq.m. with similar activities as phase 1.
The laboratory space is designed around 10 principle chairs, providing each research area with a 250 sq. m. laboratory suite. Three of these suites (for Alternative Energy, Pharma Powder and Energy Research) are located at ground floor and have dedicated double-height areas to allow for heavy engineering research activities. Upper levels include suites for Bio-Medical Engineering, Bio-Catalysis, Bio-Pharma, Fluid Mechanics, Imaging, Polymers & Composites and Energy Transfer.
The conference theatre is designed as a feature cube clad in a glazed rain screen system with a graphic depicting a scientific Penrose pattern. This ”cube” feature commands a prominent location above the main entrance which will ultimately be central to phases 1 and 2.
The building is being designed to achieve BREEAM excellent rating, and will be only the second university building in Ireland to achieve this rating after UCD Science Centre Phase 2.
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