Client: University of Hertfordshire
Principal Contractor: Morgan Sindall Construction
Design Lead: AtkinsRéalis
Building Control: Hertfordshire Building Control
Project Value: £100 million
Completion: 2024
A Landmark in Science and Innovation
The University of Hertfordshire’s Spectra building represents a bold new chapter in the region’s educational and scientific landscape. Designed to unite the University’s School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science under one roof for the first time, the five-storey, £100 million facility was two years in the making and officially opened in September 2024.
Delivering a project of this scale required meticulous coordination, technical expertise, and collaborative problem-solving at every stage, from design through to completion. Hertfordshire Building Control was proud to support the University and Morgan Sindall Construction as the Building Control partner, ensuring the project achieved full compliance with Building Regulations while enabling innovation and functionality to flourish.
Building Control in Action
Our Building Control team worked closely with the design and delivery partners to navigate complex technical challenges associated with this high-specification academic facility. The Spectra building incorporates advanced laboratories, cyber systems rooms, wind tunnels, robotics labs, and flight simulators — each demanding bespoke solutions for safety, performance, and regulatory compliance.
Key areas of Building Control involvement included:
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Fire safety and means of escape: complex layouts were reviewed to ensure the safe evacuation of occupants across multiple specialist zones.
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Structural integrity and load management: extensive testing facilities, including a strong floor and wind tunnel suite, required rigorous oversight to meet performance standards.
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Building services and ventilation: ensuring effective systems integration to support high levels of energy efficiency and comfort.
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Accessibility and inclusive design: ensuring that cutting-edge facilities remained fully accessible to all users.
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Sustainability and performance: verifying that the building exceeded the requirements of Part L, contributing to the University’s net-zero aspirations.
Through early engagement and continuous collaboration, Hertfordshire Building Control helped the delivery team align design intent with regulatory standards, balancing innovation with compliance at every stage.
Recognition for Excellence
The Spectra building’s excellence has been widely recognised across the industry. At the 2025 Herts & Beds Constructing Excellence Awards, the project earned Project of the Year, while the University of Hertfordshire received Client of the Year, celebrating both outstanding delivery and exemplary client leadership.
“Spectra is more than just a building, it’s a transformative space that brings together our brightest minds in physics, engineering and computer science, and equips them with the tools to shape the future.”
Ian Grimes, Director of Estates, University of Hertfordshire
“The success of this scheme was very much down to the collaborative nature of the team from the outset. This close working relationship with the University and AtkinsRéalis, along with taking an innovative approach to the project, was vital to ensure students, researchers and future experts are equipped with the capabilities they need.”
Emma Curtis, Area Director, Morgan Sindall ConstructionSpectra went on to win a Highly Commended in the national LABC Grand Finals in January 2026.
A Collaborative Success
Richard Tavener, Chairman of the Herts & Beds Constructing Excellence Club, described Spectra as ‘a truly exceptional project’ that exemplifies the power of early collaboration and sustainable design. The building’s flexible layout, social learning spaces, and energy-efficient design underline a forward-looking approach to education and construction.
For Hertfordshire Building Control, the Spectra project showcases how proactive, partnership-based Building Control contributes to safe, compliant, and visionary developments that support the region’s future growth.