Education Completed

University of Crete Science Campus

A modern research and education campus featuring advanced laboratories, lecture halls, and student facilities supporting STEM education excellence.

Heraklion, Greece
2024
University of Crete

Project Image

35,000 m²
Campus Area
Total built floor space
48
Research Labs
Specialized laboratory spaces
2,500
Student Capacity
Daily campus population
Net Zero
Energy Target
Annual energy balance

Project Overview

The University of Crete Science Campus expansion creates world-class facilities for research and education in physics, chemistry, biology, and computer science. Our comprehensive MEP engineering services ensured these specialized facilities meet international standards while achieving ambitious sustainability targets.

Research Laboratory Infrastructure

Chemistry Laboratories

  • Fume hood exhaust systems with VAV control
  • Chemical-resistant drainage with neutralization
  • Emergency shower and eyewash stations
  • Specialized gas delivery systems including helium recovery

Physics Laboratories

  • Vibration-isolated clean rooms for nanotechnology
  • Electromagnetic shielding for sensitive instruments
  • Cryogenic gas systems for research equipment
  • High-capacity electrical supply for accelerator equipment

Biology Laboratories

  • BSL-2 containment facilities
  • Controlled environment rooms for plant research
  • Autoclave and sterilization services
  • Specialized waste treatment systems

Data Center & Computing

Supporting the campus research computing needs:

  • Tier III data center with 500 kW IT load capacity
  • Hot aisle/cold aisle containment
  • Free cooling system utilizing Mediterranean climate
  • Redundant power with rotary UPS systems

Sustainability Features

The campus targets net-zero energy operation through:

Renewable Generation

  • 1.2 MW rooftop solar PV installation
  • Building-integrated photovoltaics on facades
  • Solar thermal collectors for domestic hot water

Energy Efficiency

  • Displacement ventilation in lecture halls
  • Heat recovery from laboratory exhaust
  • Thermal mass activation for cooling
  • Smart lighting with occupancy and daylight sensing

Water Management

  • Rainwater harvesting for landscape and toilet flushing
  • Laboratory water recycling systems
  • Native drought-resistant landscaping

Learning Environments

Beyond laboratories, we engineered comfortable learning spaces:

  • 500-seat auditorium with advanced AV systems
  • Flexible teaching spaces with operable partitions
  • Collaborative study areas with integrated technology
  • Outdoor learning terraces with shade structures

Challenges & Solutions

Diverse Laboratory Requirements

Each research group required specialized environmental conditions and services.

Solution

Developed modular laboratory infrastructure allowing flexible configuration and future adaptation.

Seismic Design

Crete's seismic activity required careful coordination of MEP systems with structural design.

Solution

Implemented seismic isolation for critical equipment and flexible connections throughout.

Mediterranean Climate

Extreme summer temperatures combined with high cooling loads from equipment.

Solution

Designed hybrid cooling system combining seawater, night cooling, and high-efficiency chillers.

Project Gallery

Project Details

Size
35,000 m²
Capacity
2,500 students
Budget
€78 million
Duration
40 months
Client
University of Crete
Contractor
Terna S.A.

Services Provided

  • Complete MEP Design
  • Laboratory Systems Engineering
  • Data Center Design
  • Renewable Energy Integration
  • Commissioning Management

Tags

education university research laboratories Crete

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