The brief was to design and construct  a new Educational building over 5 storeys, with a roof plant room, together with the refurbishment of the existing Nucleus building.  The new build connects to the Nucleus building via a central atrium. 

The contract includes 4,000 sq m new build and 1,000 sq m refurbishment of the Nucleus building.  Included in the refurbishment is the installation of new windows and roof construction and fit out of office space. 

The project included a constant interface with students, staff and other stakeholders.  Our team held monthly coordination meetings with the University, student representatives and other interested parties to maintain communication between all stakeholders

The new 4 West building is a showcase for the central campus and features a glazed atrium, clad in timber acoustic panels and brickwork with a slate floor.  Two split level bridges and two lifts connect the new build to the existing Nucleus building.

Construction takes the form of a single storey seminar room, a four storey Vice Chancellor Suite, featuring a cherry wood interior and two seminar rooms together with a 5-6 storey research, teaching and office area.

The design team have incorporated the use of sustainable building products and materials and employed sustainable drainage techniques. The building is designed to consume less energy through the use of energy efficient heating systems including solar panels, low energy lighting, a natural ventilation strategy and an innovative cooling system. This is the first building in the UK to utilise this system.