Aston Webb Student Hub

The project involved the complete strip out and extensive structural remodelling of ‘C Block’. Located between two existing university buildings (B Block and D Block), these buildings were occupied for the duration of the works.

Creating a sense of community amongst students was a key aspiration for the University, so we worked collaboratively with Associated Architects to create a large immersive learning area for students, offering flexible future learning.

The nature of the Grade II listed building meant that we needed to work with special care and precaution. We employed a specialist experienced team to undertake the work.

Works included:

• Removing the upper floors and steel frame
• Removing the ground floor slab, internal foundations and drainage
• Forming new foundations, lift pits and drainage

We installed a new steel frame to form a mezzanine floor, rationalising and aligning the floors internally. A full fit-out included installation of new mechanical and electrical systems that connected to the existing estate infrastructure. The new building offers a gross internal floor area of 3,500m² including:

• 1,400m² of new mezzanine floor space
• A 250 seat lecture theatre
• A 170m² Student Services Hub
• An Employability Centre
• Seminar rooms
• New internal and external mechanical plant areas

Works also included the refurbishment of the original critical metal window system dating to 1900 and new secondary glazing system. As the original windows were painted in lead we arranged to remove them and refurbish them off site to reduce the risk to staff, students and visitors to the University.