Nottingham Trent University - Reception & Environment Centre

Site Challenges

The new reception and environmental centre was designed and constructed within a live setting on the rural Brackenhurst Campus. This with the additional challenges of working on the project whilst adhering to the university’s strict COVID-19 restrictions – including working spaces, hygiene areas and restricted / amended directions of traffic. Given to the rural location of the site, we had to constantly monitor the site due to a high breed of grey crested newts.  

Foundation/Frame/Envelope

Constructed on a raft foundation design with a cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glulam beam timber frame construction, brick outer leaf with zinc roof covering. The lecture theatre had an additional acoustic lining, with underfloor heating.

Services

Services had to be carefully co-ordinated with structures and architectural design in a 3D environment to ensure that openings in CLT were pre-formed in an off-site manufacturing process.

Social Value and Environmental

The project featured an array of Environmental and Social considerations such as straw bale installation in areas, lime trees lining the main drive entrance and a feature mirror pool. We hosted regular viewings for students, including site tours. 

The building achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ due to its highly sustainable, future-proofed design and finish.