The William Gates Building is home to the Computer Faculty and includes research, teaching, library and catering facilities for 300 students. The brief called for a low-energy solution which could accommodate specialist computer equipment while being flexible enough to adapt to possible long-term changes in use.
RMJM’s approach was to develop an extremely well-insulated building envelope, within which artificial heating and cooling systems could be minimized.
Inside the building, more ‘public’ teaching areas are separated from the research space by a three storey ‘street’ with connecting galleries and bridges for informal circulation and meetings.
The William Gates Building won the RIBA Regional 2002 Award and the British Construction Industry Award.