- Science & Research
Dalton Cumbrian Nuclear Research Facility
Cutting-edge nuclear research and skills development
The Dalton Cumbrian Facility is a state-of-the-art complex for the Dalton Nuclear Institute, where academia and industry carry out world-leading research and deliver dedicated skills development programmes.
Key facts
Client: The University of Manchester
Status: Complete
Location: Cumbria
Services provided:
- Lead Designer
- Contract Administrator
- Interior Design
About the project
The Dalton Cumbrian Facility (DCF) was built to fill a UK research gap and improve the UK’s high-level nuclear decommissioning expertise.
Given its scenic location in the Western Lakes, an important consideration was designing a building that was both functional and respectful of its surroundings. The envelope’s flat appearance and the angular forms of the building frame are designed to mimic the rocky outcrops that characterise the Lake District.
As a nuclear research facility, the DCF required stringent security and safety measures. This included considerations for radiation shielding, access control, and emergency procedures. The DCF houses specialised equipment like ion beam accelerators and gamma irradiators and the building design had to accommodate these complex systems, including their power, ventilation, and maintenance requirements.
The facility supports collaboration between researchers from universities and industry professionals and has enabled cutting edge research into radiation science, contributing to the safe and efficient management of the UK’s nuclear legacy.
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