Silesian Interdisciplinary Centre of Chemistry takes shape. Construction of the fifth floor underway

The Silesian Interdisciplinary Centre of Chemistry is being built on the premises of the University of Silesia in Katowice. This modern scientific and educational facility will serve both research and academic activities. The planned eight-storey building, which will feature laboratories, lecture theatres, a sports complex and an underground car park, is set to become one of the most state-of-the-art academic structures in Poland.

Currently, structural works are being carried out to execute the ceiling slab of the fifth above-ground floor. Concurrently, utility installation works are underway, covering electrical, telecommunications and drainage systems, as well as HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning). The scope of the project also encompasses the construction of a transformer station, foul and stormwater networks complete with pumping stations, the construction of a rainwater attenuation tank, and the redevelopment of the corridor link to the rectory.

‘We are currently executing the ceiling slab of the fifth above-ground floor, at a height of approximately 21 metres above ground level. At the same time, we are carrying out intensive installation works, bringing the project into its next, highly advanced phase of delivery,’ says Marek Pańszczyk, Site Manager at NDI Group.

The installation of external aluminium joinery has commenced, and works related to landscaping will launch in the coming months. The structural shell of the building is scheduled to be completed by the end of August, alongside the start of roofing works. Construction is being carried out in the city centre, adjacent to active campus facilities and in the immediate vicinity of the Rawa River, which has also influenced the project’s delivery.

‘To date, the greatest challenge of this construction project was securing the excavation against groundwater inflow. Thanks to the application of a seepage barrier using CSM (Cutter Soil Mixing) technology, we managed to create a watertight working environment and safely proceed with the delivery of the investment,’ emphasises the Site Manager.

The General Contractor for the project is the NDI Group, and the Investor is the University of Silesia in Katowice. The completion of the project’s delivery is scheduled for 2027.