University of Birmingham

18-07-2024

Stelrad Radiators make vital contribution to new molecular sciences building at University of Birmingham

Stelrad radiators are making an important contribution to every-day comfort for students and scientists working in the brand-new Molecular Sciences Building on the University of Birmingham main campus, whilst showing in a very practical way how radiators can operate effectively alongside renewable heating systems.

The more than 180 Stelrad Planar horizontal and vertical radiators - including the latest K3 designs that have been developed specifically to operate with lower temperature renewable heating systems - share heat around much of the building including the public areas and a number of academic offices and facilities in the exciting new building.

The new £80million building has been completed and those lucky enough to be earmarked to work there have begun to move into their new building. The building, designed by locally based Associated Architects and managed by contractor Morgan Sindall, includes a two-storey energy centre aimed at mitigating the impact of vibrations on the sensitive experiments and research to be undertaken in the building, while heat recovery has been used to reduce energy waste and consumption.

The building provides a designated hub for the School of Chemistry along with facilities for the School of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences (GEES). The Molecular Sciences Building will be the base for over 500 scientists from across different disciplines and research in the extensive new facility will include research into materials for energy applications or healthcare, research looking at making plastics recyclable, looking at the environmental effects of drugs in the ecosystem and the environmental impact of critical materials such as lithium.

The new facility includes state of the art air source heat pump technologies to decarbonise the facility’s energy supply and recycle waste energy, renewable energy generation via a rooftop solar power system, high performance thermal and airtightness in the façade design, a biodiverse green roof, providing wildlife opportunities and contributing towards the University’s biodiversity programme and LED lighting with smart controls.

Stelrad’s Specification Manager for Central England, Stuart Dixon says: “It’s these types of projects that Stelrad is keen to be involved in, to prove the versatility and relevance of radiators in buildings heated by renewable heating systems, such as ground and air source heat pump technology.  We’re delighted that our radiators were specified for this project, and they look very smart as part of the overall décor of the building. Their use here shows that our radiators are key options for specifiers, looking to provide effective heating and cooling systems in major developments, where renewable systems such as commercial heat pumps can work alongside VHF systems and other renewable systems such as solar and heat recovery“.

The attractive Planar design radiators incorporated in the buildings design offer a designer, flat fronted look that works exceptionally well in commercial properties. You can find out more about the wide range of radiators available from Stelrad by heading to www.stelrad.com/trade. For more information call on 0844 543 6200 or email marketing@stelrad.com. Alternatively, you can also see regular updates from Stelrad on Twitter @Stelrad and Facebook @StelradRadiators.