Science Campus phase 2A – Gorlaeus building Leiden University
| Client | Universiteit Leiden |
| Completion time | 2015 - 2024 |
| Market | Educational buildings |
| Team | |
| In collaboration with | JHK Architects en INDO |
| Location | Leiden |
| Project scope | 30,500 m2 |
| Expertises | |
The building of Leiden University has now been expanded with a new section, Science Campus phase 2A. The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has gained 30,000 m² with lecture halls, workspaces, an additional lab wing, a library, and a brasserie. With the connection to phase 1 (46,000 m²), a large part of the institutes and faculty services are now under one roof, and the faculty has a new and distinctive main entrance at Rosalind Franklin Square.
Roles
On behalf of Leiden University, ABT advised on acoustics, building physics, fire safety, sustainability, and vibrations. Our sister company Huygen took care of the installations. Together with INBO, JHK Architects, part of Sweco, designed the new faculty building.
Science Campus as an inspiring learning environment
Building physics advisor Christa Drolenga: “In the new building on the Science Campus, various building physics aspects come together. A beautiful and challenging project. I think we all remember sitting in a dark lecture hall as students. It made you feel drowsy. That’s why we aimed for as much light and air as possible. Daylight keeps you alert. We wanted to create an inspiring learning environment where everyone feels comfortable and at ease.”
Climate control
To achieve a good climate in the large spaces, as many passive, natural, and sustainable measures as possible have been taken. For example, in summer, sunlight is limited, and the spaces are naturally ventilated to prevent overheating. To prevent cold drafts along high glass facades in winter, convectors (in the floor package) have been applied along the glass. The living spaces are also locally climatized.
Acoustics
The building was also a beautiful challenge in terms of acoustics. For the large lecture hall (180 people), advice was given based on acoustic simulation for good room acoustics and speech intelligibility. Attention was also paid to the various study areas with varying acoustic requirements (from quiet areas for concentration to collaborative spaces where more dynamism is desired).
Sustainability at the Science Campus
The building also aims to achieve a BREEAM sustainability label. During the design phase, ABT served as the BREEAM expert. We advised on architectural and technical measures to achieve an energy performance that is over 45% lower than legally required. As a sustainability measure, low-pressure ventilation was applied, among other things.
Fire safety
Regarding fire safety, evacuation calculations have been made for the project and a sprinkler system has been installed. The calculations specifically focus on escape safety. The building has many atriums and voids that connect the different floors in an open manner. The occupancy of the building is high. Additionally, there was a desire for flexibility to make office floors suitable for education with higher occupancy in the future.
This spring, the new building section will be put into use; the festive opening will follow in early September 2024.
Construction partners Phase 2A:
- Architect: INBO/JHK Collaborating Architects
- Interior architect: Ex Interiors
- Urban design: Studio Hartzema
- Campus square design: West 8
- Project management: Real estate company University – Leiden
- Main contractor for construction and installations: Heijmans
- Structural engineer: Pieters Bouwtechniek
- Advisor for acoustics, building physics, fire safety, sustainability, and vibrations: ABT
- Installation advisor: Huygen
