Ray Dolby Centre

Bouygues UK delivered the new home for the University of Cambridge’s Department of Physics on the West Cambridge campus. The Ray Dolby Centre, spanning 32,900 m², brings together fifteen research groups under one roof, fostering collaboration and innovation. 

This highly technical facility, spread over four floors, includes clean rooms, cryostat halls, microscopy suites, and laser and optical labs. Covering the full spectrum of physics research, the centre serves as a national hub, enabling collaborative use of facilities, research, and instruments by other departments, universities, and industry partners. 

The building also features extensive teaching and learning spaces, including a 450-seat lecture theatre, undergraduate teaching labs, a learning resource centre, as well as outreach, exhibition, and collaborative workspaces for researchers and students. 

With sustainability at its core, the facility has achieved BREEAM Excellent certification. A Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) system enhances energy efficiency while ensuring 24/7 operational resilience. Additionally, 770 cycle spaces promote sustainable transport for staff and students. 

Designed to meet stringent technical requirements, the facility incorporates advanced vibration and environmental controls. An eight-metre-deep basement is equipped with specialist acoustic and vibration treatments to comply with strict VC criteria. Other measures include precise temperature and humidity controls and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) treatments, ensuring optimal conditions for world-class research. 

Bouygues UK worked closely with Bouygues group entity, Equans, leveraging their expertise in clean rooms and specialist MEP packages to deliver this cutting-edge physics research facility.