£26 MILLION SUSTAINABLE STUDENT SCHEME STARTS AT SUSSEX
Work has commenced on site on the biggest single development project to be built at the University of Sussex campus at Falmer since the University was constructed in the 1960s.
Construction firm, Ocon, began the £26 million project to build a new 776-bedroom student accommodation scheme for the University with a scheduled completion of July 2011 in time for the 2011/2012 academic year.
Designed by architects, Pascall+Watson, the modular, timber-framed development consists of 14 three- and four- storey rectangular and L-shaped blocks with a reception area. Ocon has worked closely with environmental, ecological and sustainability experts to ensure that the development is completed with minimum disruption to the natural habitat while enhancing the campus with a low-impact, sustainable building.
Comments David Kirkwood, Director of Estates at the University of Sussex, “This is an extremely important project for the University which will allow us to offer a wider range of quality accommodation to our students. Because it is so significant we were looking for a contractor with a proven track record in student accommodation schemes and expertise in sustainable buildings. Ocon ticked all the boxes on both counts and we look forward to unveiling a scheme that enhances both our facilities and our reputation.”
Managing director of Ocon, Clive Williamson said, “This is not only a major scheme for the University but it will also set a benchmark for sustainability in the student accommodation sector. The scheme has been designed to achieve a BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method) ‘Excellent’ rating but with Ocon’s experience of delivering sustainable schemes we will work with the Client and Design team to try and push this to an ‘Outstanding’ rating.”
The new development will involve a major extension to the campus district heating system and new access roads are also included in the scheme. High levels of insulation have been specified throughout the development to maximise energy efficiency and the design incorporates green ‘sedum’ roofs.
David Kirkwood adds: “The campus will operate on a business-as-usual basis during the construction project and the programme and logistics have been planned by Ocon to ensure this is possible. The contractor will be pre-fabricating the bathrooms off-site for installation as ‘pods’ once the building is up, helping to keep disruption to a minimum.”
