DARTeC

Main Contractor: RG Carter

Location: Cranfield

Contract Value: £900k

Completed: 2021

 

The Digital Aviation Research and Technology Centre (DARTeC) at Cranfield University is a world leading facility designed to tackle the research challenges facing the aviation industry. This £67 million centre is located next to Cranfield’s airport and features state-of-the-art digital aviation research laboratories and office spaces where staff, students and external partners can work together. The centre also boasts a partially covered ‘hangar laboratory,’ seamlessly connected to Cranfield’s 737-400 aircraft through an airport-style air bridge.

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To create the roof, we utilised Kalzip Standing Seam 50/429 panels, 1mm thick aluminium with an Aluplus Bronze Patina B40 finish. The walls combine Kingspan Benchmark Vertically Laid Axis 1000 & 600 Panels in Onyx with additional Kalzip Standing Seam 50/429 panels, also in the Aluplus Bronze Patina B40 finish, ensuring a cohesive and striking appearance. The canopy roof continues this theme with the same Kalzip Standing Seam 50/429 panels.

 

The entrance is clad with BTS Vantage DF Discreet Fix Rainscreen Panels, featuring a PPC ANOLOK 545 Bronze finish, offering a sleek and modern first impression to the facility. The use of these high-quality materials and the careful attention to design details highlight DARTeC’s commitment to excellence in both form and function.