FOUNDATION/FRAME/ENVELOPE
With an exposed RC in-situ frame, the building has been designed to be architecturally prominent internally as well as externally. Additional features include a triple-height atrium and flat roof with aesthetically pleasing lighting. The detailed brick and curtail wall exterior is matched by the high-quality internal specification, which includes terrazzo flooring and bespoke oak joinery.
The building features tiered auditoria, seminar rooms, offices, meeting rooms, and social areas.
SITE CHALLENGES
Situated within the University of Birmingham’s campus and adjacent to an existing Business School facility, we undertook measures to ensure we minimised disruption and promoted safety. The length of the construction programme saw works continuing through the entire academic calendar. Led by our Project Manager, we held regular meetings with University representatives, including those from the adjacent Business School, to discuss the progress of the works and any upcoming developments. Through this, we coordinated our works effectively, carefully adapting our programme to avoid noisy operations during exam periods for example.
SERVICES
The building was heated through a combination of underfloor heating, trench heating and radiators, and our design ensured these features were coordinated with other design disciplines such as architectural, structural and civil engineering. Natural ventilation was provided through a combination of automatic opening vents and heat recovery units linked to central BMS and carbon dioxide sensors. The building also featured LED lighting throughout, as well as access control to help manage security.
We placed considerable focus on refining the reflected ceiling plans with combined building services drawings to ensure full co-ordination prior to installation.
ENVIRONMENTAL
The building achieved BREEAM ‘Very Good’ through effective mechanical and electrical design, and has an Energy Efficiency Rating of ‘A’.