Actionair contributes to the cause of science
Actionair has supplied bespoke dampers for the refurbishment of the Medical Research Council’s Laboratory of Molecular Biology. This birthplace of modern molecular biology has undergone a £200 million transformation to provide facilities for over 400 researchers and is about twice the size of the previous building.
The new 30 000 m2 space has a design reminiscent of paired chromosomes. Two long laboratory wings are joined by an atrium containing seminar rooms and a lecture theatre.
Specified by Gardner & Co. and Adrian Sheet Metal, Actionair’s contribution to this project include MB120 stainless-steel dampers to reduce the casing leakage of the existing ductwork.
These bespoke dampers have additional seals to the gearbox drive and drive shaft, minimising any gaps in the system. Constructed of stainless steel, the totally enclosed, precise-movement, opposed-blade drive is positioned out of the airstream. Actionair also supplied fire, smoke and balancing dampers for the standard ductwork runs.
Scientists at this laboratory have won nine Nobel prizes, and techniques pioneered include the sequencing of DNA.