BAM Construction is to build a £50 million research centre for the University of Exeter.

The centre, named the Living Systems Institute, will consist of two linked buildings on a split level site. It will have a tower block nine storeys high and a slab block reaching six storeys, three storeys being basement levels with significant excavations and temporary works.

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BAM faces a number of challenges, building on a steeply sloping site that is constrained by other buildings and an environmentally-sensitive.

The contractor will also oversee the fit out of the centre, including laboratories and complex services. Building information modelling has been used from the outset, and an early relationship was established with mechanical and electrical contractor NG Bailey.

An Excellent rating is being targeted through environmental initiative BREEAM, with solar panels and high levels of insulation. A combined heat and power plant will allow the centre to create its own energy.

(CD/MH)