Location:
Nottingham
Value:
£10.2M
Scope:
Design & Build
Clegg worked with the University of Nottingham to manage the refurbishment of historically-significant 1920s building, Florence Boot Hall, to create refreshed and market-leading student accommodation. The Hall, which was constructed in 1928, had not undergone renovation since the turn of the century and required immediate repairs to stay functioning due to asbestos presence within service areas.
A fabric-first approach was applied to this comprehensive refurbishment scheme, comprising the internal lining and insulation of solid masonry external walls, installation of new triple-glazed windows (which are in-keeping with the surrounding historical aesthetic) the replacement of PVC units installed circa 20 years prior, automatic doors fitted near the front entrance to prevent heat loss, plus the refurbishment of the building’s slate roof with new leadwork throughout to improve energy efficiency and provide better insulation.
Working within a live and busy university campus in close proximity to existing student accommodation, Clegg worked closely with the wider project team to help ensure the safety and welfare of students, staff and visitors via regular liaison with the University’s estates team as part of a robust communications plan. Clear segregation of working spaces, and considerate programming, which incorporated careful scheduling of material deliveries to site, has been instrumental in overcoming the tightly constrained site’s spatial limitations.
The building was originally gas-heated, and a raft of works were completed to facilitate the successful switch to electric, with air-source heat pumps installed to provide low-carbon heating to future occupants, with hot water heated electrically.
LED lighting was installed throughout the building, and a modern Building Management System was introduced to ensure the efficient control and monitoring of the building’s new electrical equipment.
In testament to the many energy-efficient technologies and measures installed, the building’s Energy Performance Asset Rating has increased significantly from E to B, and it also achieved BREEAM ‘Very Good’. In 2023, the project was highly commended at the East Midlands Energy Efficiency Awards and in 2024 it was awarded a Constructing Excellence Midlands Regeneration and Retrofit Award.
