Aberystwyth University - Smart Home Lab
“A purpose-built research/educational facility designed for the Physical Sciences Department to facilitate robotics research to support independent living in an ageing population”
In late Spring 2023, we embarked on the construction of the Smart Home Lab at Aberystwyth University. This new-build research/educational facility, located on the Penglais Campus was completed later the same year. The timber-framed, sustainably considered bungalow will be employed in the research of AI and Robotic assisted living, further expanding the capabilities of the University's Physical Sciences Department. The building was designed to appear as a modern bungalow, whilst operating as an educational/research facility. The 1st fix and M&E stages of the project were of particular importance to the client, with an emphasis placed on future adaptations, space flexibility and building airtightness. Comparative to a traditional build, the building envelope was designed to achieve an EPC A rating with an air permeability of less than 3 m³/(h·m²) at 50 Pascals (Pa). All key U-Values and construction details designed and specified to achieve this. Quality control was pivotal to the project's success, given the importance of construction detail to the integrity of the building envelope. The project team implemented a comprehensive Quality Management Plan (QMP) to ensure that every aspect of the construction process met the highest standards.
“The smart home lab will provide departments across the University with a space to co-create technologies and evaluate how they work in a real-life context. It will also provide a space for the whole social care ecosystem – spanning health and social care professionals, public and private care providers, and the elderly themselves – to explore new solutions.”
— Dr Patricia Shaw, Senior Lecturer (Department of Computer Science)
