Modular nuclear analysis laboratory

Britain's newest laboratory for the analysis of radioactive materials has arrived on site at Dounreay. The project, which is under construction by off-site specialist Yorkon, is reported to be the first nuclear facility of its kind to be built using modular construction, and one of the most complex and remote modular building projects ever undertaken in the UK.

A total of 35 steel-framed modules were craned into position in just four days, significantly reducing disruption to operations.

Units were pre-installed with partitions, fume cupboards, windows and office areas to minimise work on site.

The off-site approach is reducing the programme time for the building envelope by about 50%. Construction is scheduled for completion in spring 2013.

The scheme will provide six labs to allow DSRL to comply with statutory and environmental monitoring requirements, and will be in use for up to 25 years until the site decommissioning programme has been completed.

The steel modules are easy to disassemble, recycle and re-use elsewhere, making the approach highly sustainable.