Dairy Nexus

Dairy Nexus is a new research and innovation centre by SRUC which supports advanced work in dairy science and related fields by bringing researchers, industry partners and students together in one place. It provides modern spaces for collaboration and knowledge exchange, along with specialised laboratories and equipment for research in areas such as milk processing, biorefinery technologies and sustainable dairy production. The centre features a digital replica of a grass-based dairy farm, allowing data-driven testing and modelling of real-world farming systems.

The brief set out to deliver a facility which strikes a balance between agriculture and science. Requirements specified a building which sits harmoniously within the wider Barony campus and considers the benefits of modern methods of construction as a means of maximising cost effectiveness around both construction and energy use. Design should reflect the principles of sustainable construction whilst balancing aspiration against the commercial realities of the project budget. 

Internally, a flexible environment which offers comfortable workspace and social areas to encourage staff interaction and the exchanging of ideas was critical in a bid to enable co-innovation. Occupant wellbeing was high on the agenda.

The design approach ensures that the new building sits comfortably within the existing set of farm buildings, physically bridging the gap between agriculture and science. Location close to the dairy farm ensures that samples can be transported from farm to lab quickly and safely.

Built across one level, a distinction in function is achieved with two wings serving different purposes - the co-innovation hub and the laboratory wing.  This single-storey approach helps the structure blend with the neighbouring dairy sheds and complies with guidance for the site’s designation as an area of designed landscape, as recognised by Scotland’s Garden and Landscape Heritage.

The two wings stretch either side of a central core which houses the main entrance, toilet facilities and visitor changing for accessing the rear of the building towards the dairy farm. 

The entrance lobby creates an impactful sense of arrival and welcome through a timber batten ceiling and green colour drenching to the WC and lobby. An open space on arrival enables easy navigation to the next destination. 

The co-innovation hub reflects the colours of SRUC branding with a calm, inviting space to work. Individual meeting rooms each feature colours which can be seen from the office space and large meeting rooms offer views out to the dairy shed and the cow field. A field laboratory alongside the office space connects to the farm via a sanitisation lobby, easing access to the farm while allowing sanitised entry.

SRUC have shared an aspiration to become carbon neutral by 2040. This, alongside compliance with the RIBA 2030 climate challenge, shaped the client brief in relation to sustainability targets, in particular the interim RIBA 2025 target. The project achieved a Carbon Neutral rating as part of the EPC – Energy Performance Certificate. 

The building celebrates what modular design can deliver and bridges the style of both agriculture and science.