The Kier Construction-built National Composites Centre (NCC), a £25m open access R&D facility for the rapid manufacture of carbon composites, has been highly commended at this year’s RICS Awards South West.

Hosted by the University of Bristol in partnership with the South West Regional Development Agency, the NCC, which is one of the first buildings on Bristol’s Science Park, consists of 7500sq m of workshop and office space. It achieved a BREEAM rating of Excellent and incorporates passive low energy design principles including good solar orientation, maximisation of daylight and natural ventilation.

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The judges commented: "The design is logical, flexible, sustainable and stimulating and is a truly wonderful mix of art, science, industry and common-sense. Success can be counted in the rapid weekly increase in new jobs to satisfy the ever-growing order book from both private and public clients."

(CD/GK)