Seven-figure lab containment project set for UEA’s Lasdun Wall

Envair Technology, a UK leader in clean air and containment solutions, has secured a significant seven-figure contract to deliver 108 state-of-the-art fume cupboards for the University of East Anglia’s (UEA) Lasdun Wall redevelopment – a flagship project to modernise one of the university’s most recognisable buildings.

Part of UEA’s long-term sustainability and research strategy, the Lasdun Wall is a Grade II-listed structure originally designed by Sir Denys Lasdun. The redevelopment, led by construction and consultancy giant Mace, will transform four floors into modern laboratory and teaching facilities that reflect the university’s ambition to achieve net-zero status by 2045.

Envair’s contribution will see the delivery of energy-efficient, variable air volume (VAV) fume cupboards, including several DDA-compliant units, specifically engineered to accommodate the ceiling height limitations of the historic building. Installation is scheduled for Q1 2026.

“This is a landmark project for UEA, and we’re incredibly proud to be playing such a pivotal role,” said Andrew Ellison, CEO of Envair Technology. “Supplying more than a hundred bespoke fume cupboards to a Grade II-listed building brings both engineering and logistical challenges - but it’s exactly the kind of high-spec work our team thrives on. We’ve invested heavily in our capability to deliver at scale, and this project demonstrates the impact of that commitment.”

Todd Payne, Commercial Manager, added: “We’ve designed these units with performance, efficiency, and compliance in mind. They’ll help protect students and researchers while reducing energy consumption over the long term.”

Clare Cole, Assistant Director of Estates at UEA, said: “This redevelopment is about more than preserving an iconic building - it’s about futureproofing our research and teaching spaces. Working with partners like Envair and Mace ensures we get it right, both environmentally and operationally.”

Envair recently invested over £1 million into its manufacturing capacity, consolidating operations at a 63,000 ft2 facility in Heywood, Greater Manchester.

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