The new Aerospace Integration Research Centre (AIRC) at Cranfield University, Bedfordshire, constructed by R G Carter Building Ltd, designed by CPMG Architects Ltd and nominated by the local authority building control team from Central Bedfordshire Council was awarded the title of Best Large Commercial Building at the Grand Finals of the LABC Building Excellence Awards – one of the most recognised events on the building industry’s calendar.

A panel of industry experts judged a shortlist of the highest quality projects from around England and Wales to reward the best in technical innovation, sustainability and design.

This project at Cranfield University is intended to change the way the world thinks about flight, working with industry to reimagine aircraft and airspace concepts and shape the future of aerospace globally.

The AIRC, a landmark building delivered in partnership with Rolls-Royce and Airbus, will change the future design of aircraft.

The Centre is of international significance and is part of the UK’s High Value Design capability.

The building is a strikingly modern interpretation of a hangar – an appropriate typology for the location.

The three-storey building includes open laboratory space with a 40m clear span capable of housing large airframe integration projects. Other areas include presentation and visualisation space alongside state-of the- art simulation facilities.

Henner Wapenhans, Director of Technology Strategy, Rolls-Royce, said “We are delighted to be a lead partner with Airbus in the Aerospace Integration Research Centre, which will also strengthen the existing strategic partnership between Rolls-Royce and Cranfield University.

"This new Centre will help develop the next generation of highly skilled engineers and will play an important role in developing the innovative technologies needed to enhance performance, improve efficiency and reduce emissions of future aircraft.”

LABC Chief Executive Paul Everall said: “Our Building Excellence Awards are an opportunity for the industry to celebrate good practice. Our winners demonstrate how positive working relationships with local council building control teams achieve high quality, sustainable buildings.

"Our awards are unique because they recognise how this cooperation improves building standards and professionalism across the industry.”

The panel of expert judges said “this is a really well considered project bringing together good design in an industrial setting. The result demonstrates the close working relationship of the design and construction team creating a unique centre that will benefit industry for many years to come.”

The Grand Finals of the LABC Building Excellence Awards took place on Friday 9 November 2018 at the Westminster Park Plaza in London and was hosted by Dead Ringers star, comedian and impressionist Jon Culshaw.

860 building industry professionals including contractors, architects and engineers attended the celebration to find out which projects won across the 15 hotly contested categories.