Arguably the most famous physics laboratory in the world, the Cavendish has hosted 30 Nobel Laureates and pioneered fundamental scientific discoveries for 150 years. It is where JJ Thomson discovered the electron, James Chadwick discovered the neutron, Rutherford split the atom and Crick and Watson unravelled DNA.

 

Their new home, named after an illustrious alumnus, is the largest single project ever undertaken by the University. The brief was extraordinarily complex, requiring precise control of vibration, infrasound, temperature, humidity, air purity and electromagnetic interference to enable experiments conducted at the leading edge of science.

 

Designed to promote intellectual exchange and adapt to constantly evolving research, the facility distils this complexity into five zones: a utility zone housing plant equipment, a research zone organised around six peaceful courtyards, a subterranean level with ultra-low vibration laboratories, a public zone for collaboration and teaching, and a connecting ‘Street’ encouraging serendipitous interaction. The ensemble is powered by low carbon ground source heat pumps.

 

Adjoining the public wing, a raised piazza concealing cycle parking underneath is approached up a grand staircase from a new linear park, evoking a sense of gravitas. The square leads to a fluid arrival space populated by twin ‘floating’ lecture theatres clad in brass shingles.

 

The University’s brief spoke of ‘timeless’ architecture. Inspired by the city’s unique character, the building responds with a sense of permanence and visual weight. This informed a contemporary external palette of polished concrete, aluminium and glass. A warmer interior materiality is read through this cool outer skin.