An ambitious project, HLN was brought in to assist with the structural engineering element of Phase 2, the development of the world class CUBRIC building (Cardiff University’s Brain Research Imaging Centre).  This state-of-the-art research facility, situated on the site of an old train yard near Maindy Road, Cardiff, is one of the leading brain imaging facilities in Europe.  This is thanks to a range of cutting-edge neuro-imaging equipment, including a 40 tonne 7T MRI scanner and a 3 Tesla Microstructure MRI scanner, one of only a few in existence. The research undertaken here will further help scientist’s understanding of the causes of neurological and psychiatric conditions such as dementia, schizophrenia, and multiple sclerosis. Working closely with the design team and main contractor, BAM, HLN was responsible for the design of all structural engineering elements of the CUBRIC building, including:

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• Outer shell:  this was comprised of a reinforced concrete structure with a steel frame on top to hide any plant (i.e., ventilation systems, air conditioning etc).
• Building Foundations and Support slabs:  great emphasis was placed on the parts of the building that house the heavy scanning equipment.
• Drainage design:  In line with the environmentally friendly and sustainable ethos of the building’s construction and on-going use, we incorporated a SuDS drainage system into our drainage designs to help store and re-use rainwater throughout the building.