Esteemed Clients for the Duxford site include the aerospace industry, prestigious commercial industries – typically wind turbine manufacturers, the motorsport industry, rail networks and sectors of the military defence. These Clients require exacting product quality, the continuity of which can only be achieved by maintaining stable environmental conditions. In this respect David Bedwell and Partners were responsible for the design of the associated mechanical and electrical services, those necessary to achieve the close control environment as specified by Hexcel’s own technical staff and their Client’s respective insurers. The temperature, humidity and room pressure regimes within the laboratory and production areas are of prime importance, typically 21oC +/- 1oC relative to an RH of 40% +/- 5%. The room side environmental conditions are monitored on a 24/7 basis, with a logging system constantly reporting to the BEMS – any fluctuations outside of the design parameters constitute an “alarm” status which if not rectified immediately invalidate the research being undertaken and / or the finite products being manufactured at that time.

The subsequent installation of the mechanical and electrical services were undertaken to a strict budget, on a relatively short programme, whilst the building remained in an occupied status – an interesting challenge but one which was achieved to the credit of all concerned.

Extent of Mechanical Services:

• Incoming utilities – gas and water
• LPHW heating / DX cooling facilities – close
• temperature control
• Close humidity control @ 40% RH +/- 5%
• Laboratory supply/extract ventilation systems – including LEV and fume cupboards
• Laboratory gases
• Automatic Control Systems

Extent of Electrical Services:

• Incoming utilities – electrical power / site transformer
• General lighting and emergency lighting
• Electrical small power