The Innovation Hub is a landmark development in Dundee, located beside the University of Dundee’s city centre campus.  The facility includes flexible turnkey spaces, advanced laboratory support, and access to the University’s world-class technology platforms.

FES was appointed as the M&E partner for the project, responsible for delivering a fully integrated solution tailored to the needs of biotech, MedTech, and informatics companies.  We delivered a comprehensive design and build package, incorporating full BIM integration for precise coordination, early contractor involvement with detailed service modelling, and specialist systems such as fume extract ventilation.

To enhance efficiency and quality, FES employed advanced digital tools and construction methods. BIM was used extensively for clash detection and spatial planning in tight service zones. Off-site prefabrication was maximised to reduce on-site labour and meet tight deadlines. 3D scanning of rooftop plant was integrated into the final model for accurate documentation and future maintenance.

Quality assurance was maintained through continuous inspections by an independent Clerk of Works, ensuring compliance and early issue resolution. The project achieved a 100% quality rating at final inspection, with minimal defects at handover, reflecting the team’s attention to detail and commitment to excellence. FES also prioritised local labour and suppliers, reinforcing the project’s economic and social value to Dundee.

 The Innovation Hub stands as a testament to innovation, collaboration, and expert delivery, with FES’s proactive approach and use of cutting-edge technologies playing a vital role in creating infrastructure that supports Scotland’s life sciences future.

The ARC Building is a major research facility delivered as part of the University of Glasgow’s £1bn Campus Development Programme. The 16,000m² centre brings together world-leading researchers to explore major global challenges ranging from energy demand to waste management. The building has been intentionally designed to enable deep collaboration between disciplines, encouraging new thinking, shared research practice and meaningful industry and public engagement.

FES delivered the full mechanical, electrical, digital engineering and specialist laboratory services for the ARC. Work included site-wide utilities, district heating, specialist ventilation, laboratory gases, security systems, AV systems and advanced power distribution. Through early design involvement, BIM model control and extensive off-site prefabrication, FES developed streamlined and value-driven delivery strategies, manufacturing bespoke modules and plantrooms offsite to improve coordination and programme certainty.

The building includes a wide range of specialist environments, from temperature-controlled rooms and cleanrooms, to advanced research laboratories and specialist fume extraction systems. The Ground Floor is open to staff, students and the public, providing flexible spaces for events, conferences, networking and public engagement. Dedicated maker spaces, enterprise areas and post-graduate researcher zones further support innovation, skills development and new venture creation.

ARC also hosts one of the UK’s largest VR/AR labs and a significant number of bookable seminar and collaboration rooms, including flexible large-scale spaces for international speakers, conferences and academic partnership activity. This blend of high-spec labs, digital capability, immersive research environments and public-facing spaces positions the ARC as a central hub for future-focused research.

FES delivered the MEP and IT services for the National Robotarium, the UK’s leading facility for robotics and artificial intelligence. This purpose-built innovation hub provides advanced laboratories, offices, and flexible collaboration spaces for both academics and industry partners. The building is designed to accelerate knowledge and practical applications in Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Human and Robot Interaction, and Precision Laser Applications.

A standout feature of the facility is the central atrium, or forum, a 247m² multi-functional open space that encourages collaboration and interaction. The site also includes 12 pressurised laboratories, each with dedicated ventilation and environmental controls, alongside specialist gas monitoring systems to support safe and precise research.

We delivered a full suite of mechanical, electrical, and IT systems, including:

• High- and low-voltage distribution, general and emergency lighting, and solar PV
• Mechanical ventilation, air-conditioning, underfloor heating, and chilled water cooling
• Laboratory gas systems, fume extract, compressed air, and specialist laboratory ventilation
• Fire and security systems, lightning protection, BMS, and metering
• EV charging stations and data infrastructure with secured containment

We delivered the project on time and on budget, leading to direct engagement for subsequent fit outs of management office spaces, reflecting the university’s satisfaction with service quality.  Key challenges included restricted external plant space and fully exposed building services, which required careful 3-D coordination and high-level workmanship to maintain both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Designed with energy efficiency in mind, the building’s BMS and digital metering provide real-time monitoring for effective energy management.

FES was proud to be appointed as the Mechanical and Electrical Contractor to the University of Strathclyde’s £89m Technology and Innovation Centre in Glasgow city centre.

The Technology and Innovation Centre brought together academics, researchers and project managers from the university and its leading industrial partners in the search for solutions to challenges in sectors central to economic regeneration in Scotland as well as power and energy, health and advanced engineering. It is the first Centre of its kind in Europe and will become the cornerstone of the International Technology and Renewable Energy Zone – Scotland’s hub for global green energy developments.

The triangular, nine-storey, steel-framed building was constructed on a 260,000 sq ft brownfield city centre site adjacent to the University over an 87-week period.  It includes open plan offices, three lecture theatres and specialist laboratory space. The facility was built to Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ‘A’ rating standards – the industry’s highest energy-efficiency standard.

FES was fully responsible for leading the 3D modelling for the overall project, including all MEP Services and other third party co-ordination including FF&E. FES scope included engineering, drafting and installation of various aspects including contractor design, manufacture and assembly of complex service modules, thermal expansion of wet services and brackets / supports.

Detailed drafting / CAD drawings for offsite manufacture was a difficult challenge as traditional installation works were recognised as being uneconomical and inefficient in this type of building structure. The programme of works for the project was also extremely challenging, and site resources had to be strategically planned taking into account the number of other trades and financial budgets.

With early workshop design meetings involving both the architect and services consultant we were able to develop and introduce our ideas to make our installations streamlined and efficient. A fully interactive 3D model was controlled by FES. These meetings and workshops were critical to ensure full co-ordination and that architectural requirements were agreed up front by updating the 3D model on a weekly basis for project reference.

Early internal meetings were held to agree our project delivery strategy and we were able to determine our engineering works into specific phases of the building to match the overall construction programme, these were created by the FES ‘site team’ prior to producing working drawings for co-ordination and ultimately manufacture at our off site facility located in Stirling.

The full scope of works included:

HV & LV Distribution, Standby Generator, Photo-voltaic, Small Power, Lighting, Emergency Lighting, External Lighting, Lighting Control, IT Cabling, AV Systems, Fire & Security, Sprinklers, Heating Systems, Water Services, Dry Risers, Drainage, Ventilation, Smoke Vents, Fume Extract Systems, Compressed Air, Specialist Gasses and AC Systems.