AgResearch methane testing facility

We worked with local builders W&W Construction to deliver a project at AgResearch’s Grasslands campus in Palmerston North, extending the ruminant methane testing facility that analyses methane emissions from cows based on different feeds.

Essentially a barn built to PC2 laboratory standards, the 170m² extension has a steel roof and steel portal frames on concrete slab with eight-metre-deep bored/caged piles. The envelope is precast panels topped with insulated polypanel upper walls.

As well as methane testing chambers, the space holds a control room and viewing room. A sophisticated HVAC system regulates the airflow into the chambers, supported by a range of sensors and controls that enable precise monitoring. We also upgraded the existing effluent system and added a plant room.

The surrounding site remained in use throughout, with animals regularly brought in for testing. We adopted low noise construction techniques and kept in close contact with the operational staff to ensure that their research was not compromised by construction noise, which may have affected animal behaviour.