EDUCATION FACILITIES

Henry Fagan was appointed to oversee the R1b construction of the world class biomedical research institute at Stellenbosch University. The project entails the refurbishment of- and additions to the existing 17 367m2 FISAN building consisting of 5 levels above ground and a basement (level 0) as well as the construction of a new 13 938m2 BMRI building adjacent and connected to the existing building with an atrium, consisting of 4 levels above ground and a basement (level 0).

The project was executed over 3 phases to ensure uninterrupted ongoing research activities throughout the construction period. The main goal of the project was to protect the existing research income and research grants and secondly to enable Stellenbosch University and specifically the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences to use new technologies, laboratories and equipment to stay competitive and to obtain new funding opportunities. The BIM (Building Information Modelling) processes was employed on the project during the design phase to enable better coordination, collaboration and communication between the project team.

The entire project, structures and its associated systems, was 3D modelled during design stages and potential coordination issues were identified and resolved by virtual digital representation prior to construction commencement. The project includes the installation fully automated -80°C storage system for storing biological samples in bulk for long-term bio banking applications. The system is capable to store 3,5million biological samples and is the first system of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. The project has implemented various green building elements and achieved a 4-Star Green Star design rating.