BRINGING ENGINEERING TO LIFE

#lighting

Working with the University of the West of England, Hydrock Consultants, and AHR Architects, Zumtobel delivers a cutting-edge lighting scheme to inspire future engineers.

The University of the West of England (UWE) has invested in a new School of Engineering with the commitment to increase the number of women and people from underrepresented groups working in the sector, in particular aerospace.

The multi-million-pound building, located at the Frenchay campus in Bristol, has enabled it to expand its intake of students to 1,600.

This contributes to the University’s vision of promoting multi-disciplinary, collaborative learning and supporting the predicted increase in demand for skilled engineering graduates across the region.

Set over four floors, the 8,500 mt sq, modern building houses many different engineering disciplines in a contemporary space. The site features teaching studios, modelling and simulation suites, laboratories, specialist workshops, and student learning zones, accommodating many engineering disciplines such as composite manufacturing, machining, and metrology.

Eunan Scanlon, Technical Director – Building Performance Engineering, Hydrock comments, “Hydrock provided multidisciplinary services to UWE on their new state-of-the-art Engineering building. We developed the lighting and lighting controls strategy in collaboration with AHR Architects, UWE stakeholders and Zumtobel. The engineering building comprises of a central Atrium with perimeter engineering facilities, with hard engineering workshops on the ground floor then labs and teaching spaces on the upper floors. From the concept we worked up lighting solutions for each individual space to meet the requirements identified, including specific luminaires for harsh environments and/or scene setting, the lighting controls for specific tasks during the teaching timetable. The lighting controls were developed to significantly utilise the fantastic architectural daylight distributed throughout the building.”

Comfort and performance

The building has been designed to complement the University’s practice-based curriculum – bringing engineering to life through real-world problems. It provides different and more flexible ways of working for both students and staff – training the next generation of engineers.

The lighting had to stand up to exacting performance standards to ensure the most comfortable, safe, and practical learning environment. High uniform light levels were required to support the practical-based learning style, keeping students alert and motivated.

Building on a longstanding relationship

Zumtobel has a longstanding relationship with the UWE and has delivered various lighting projects throughout the campus over several years. Therefore, knowledge of the brand’s wide selection of performance luminaires made it the number one choice for the contemporary new building. Working closely with the UWE, Hydrock Consultants, and AHR Architects, Zumtobel designed the optimum lighting scheme for the complete facility to meet the customers’ requirements.

Cutting edge lighting design for all lighting applications

The lighting scheme utilised several of Zumtobel’s most popular products, including TECTON, PANOS evo, MELLOW LIGHT evo, VIVO spotlights, TRINOS, and SLOTLIGHT Infinity, all managed via the LITENET Lighting Control system. Emergency versions and RESCLITE PRO on a CPS CENTRAL BATTERY provide the emergency lighting.

Students, lecturers, and visitors alike are welcomed by the bright lighting quality from TECTON C continuous-row luminaires on arrival at the building. A versatile and efficient system, it provides intelligent solutions for many lighting tasks throughout the facility, from LED light lines to emergency lighting.

To complement the TECTON luminaires in the entrance, TECTON MPO furnishes the classrooms with a uniform light distribution. With minimised glare through LED point reflexion of the task area and when directly looking into the luminaire, TECTON with MPO optic is ideal for the demanding visual tasks associated with the practiced-based curriculum. A gentle illumination of the ceiling and the lateral translucent optic create a wide beam pattern with soft edges, brightening the learning environment.

Furthermore, the building incorporates two distinct office designs. In one scheme, light lines of SLOTLIGHT infinity provide a consistently linear design with high precision optics that deliver uniform illumination, without interruption or dark spots, even around corners. SLOTLIGHT infinity also graces the circulation areas around the atrium.

The second office scheme employs the classic MELLOW LIGHT evo recessed and surface-mounted luminaires. MELLOW LIGHT plays with light. It brings the room’s depth to life in the mellow colours of the sky until late at night, giving occupants a renewed sense of outdoor freedom, helping teachers and officed staff stay focused and alert.

The award-winning PANOS evo LED downlight provides unrivalled lighting quality and energy efficiency throughout the bathrooms and circulation areas.

Externally, TRINOS IP65 continuous-row lighting system combines the flexibility and practicality of a trunking system with the rugged durability of an IP65 luminaire. The TRINOS luminaire guarantees optimum protection and performance at all times.

Zumtobel’s LITENET system provides an effective means for the University to obtain as much comfort and lighting quality as possible using the minimum amount of energy, materials, and time.

In choosing some of the most efficient luminaires on the market, combined with automated lighting controls, the University has a highly efficient lighting scheme.

Eunan, comments, “All the systems came together to create a well-lit building that looks stunning during the day and especially after dark.

Zumtobel are a long-standing key provider of lighting solutions to UWE and they were a great match again for the engineering building. They have the wide range of systems in place to meet the demands of the engineering building and the Zumtobel Team were always on hand to support the project.”

Stephen Denning, Project Manager / Building Surveyor UWE, adds, “The wide selection of luminaires used throughout the site has created a great overall finish to the building, with cutting edge design and excellent energy efficiency. This is a lighting scheme fit for our engineers of the future.”

 

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DEVELOPMENT OF BOCLAIR ACADEMY IN FINAL STAGES

The brand new Boclair Academy in Bearsden is in the final stages of development and will be opening its doors to pupils when they return after the summer holidays.

Council Leader Gordan Low visited the site to see the progress and to meet with Council partners, the head teacher and some of the pupils who will be moving into the new school in August.

The £40.9m project is being delivered by the Council in partnership with the SCAPE Construction Framework and contractor Wates Construction Limited/McLaughlin & Harvey Construction Limited.

Councillor Low, said, “Despite the challenges faced as a result of the pandemic, a number of our teams – including major assets and education –  have worked hard with our partners to ensure the building will be ready for opening in the new term, which is a remarkable achievement.   The young people I met today are clearly very excited about the new building, particularly as they, and the school community as a whole, have been so involved in the design process.  They have enjoyed seeing their visions and ideas for the school come to fruition during the construction phase.”

The new two-storey building will deliver a state-of- the-art learning environment for 1,050 pupils which will feature a large entrance atrium, flexible learning zones, performance spaces and dining areas.  Once the school building is complete, work will begin on improved outdoor sport facilities alongside a fully integrated landscape design which will include car and cycle parking bays.

Councillor Low, added, “Not only is the structure of the building designed to enhance the learning experience for pupils, Boclair Academy is situated on a beautiful site and the new school layout makes the very most of the surrounding landscape.  I’m looking forward to returning when it opens in August to see this inspiring building full of students and teachers benefiting from this bright and stimulating learning environment.”

McLaughlin & Harvey Framework Director Chris Boyle, said, “We’re delighted to be working with the Council on this outstanding state-of-the-art educational building that will benefit over 1000 young people in East Dunbartonshire.  We’re looking forward to welcoming them to their new school.”

Headteacher Douglas Brown said, “This is such an exciting time for everyone at Boclair Academy and we can’t wait to move across to our new building which is simply stunning. We feel like we have been involved every step of the way from the early discussions about layout and design, throughout the whole construction process. The students asked for light, height and space and that is exactly what we’ve got. When we close the doors on the old school for the last time it will be the end of an era with lots of happy memories but we are charging forward to a bright future in our wonderful new home.”

Harli is starting S6 in the new school and is excited for the new term. She said, “The difference between both buildings is huge and it is easy to see how the modern, bright building is going to be a great environment in which to learn. I love sports and dancing and can’t wait to use the new facilities which look amazing. We have a modern dance studio with all the equipment we need. I love all the huge windows in the new school which give it such a light and airy feel. Roll on August!”

The Council is working with a number of partners to deliver the new Boclair Academy:

  • The procurement framework used for the design and delivery of the new building through its Supply Chain. SCAPE is a public private joint venture organisation established to develop and deliver value for money property solutions for its public sector partners.
  • Wates Construction Limited: The Main Contractor, appointed through SCAPE, to construct the new school.
  • McLaughlin & Harvey Construction Limited: Sub-contractor appointed by Wates Construction Limited to complete the whole works.
  • Ryder Architecture: The architecture firm, appointed through SCAPE, to design the new school.
  • Doig & Smith: the Council’s Contract Administrator and independent cost consultant.
  • Curtins: the civil and structural engineer for the project.
  • Hawthorne Boyle: the mechanical and electrical engineer for the project.

Source: East Barton.gov

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CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY’S LOW ENERGY WEST HUB

Bouygues UK has handed over the West Hub to the University of Cambridge. The first building of its kind for the University, the West Hub is located at the heart of its West Cambridge site, where the Ray Dolby Centre, the new centrepiece of the Cavendish Laboratory, is also currently under construction by Bouygues UK.

The West Hub, which opened its doors on 26 April, has been designed to promote a collaborative environment on the site, connecting people from different departments of the University. Constructed by Bouygues UK under a design and build contract, the building provides a lively –new facility for the West Cambridge Innovation District

Moving away from the more institutionalised buildings on the site, this facility welcomes all – students, academics, researchers, businesses and the wider community – to share, learn and collaborate in its open and flexible spaces. The café bar and canteen facilities on the ground floor provide a varied range of catering options and, along with a convenience shop, will be open to all, encouraging the surrounding community to experience what the West Hub has to offer.

A collection of library, study, teaching and meeting room spaces can be found on the upper floors the building which will be shared by the current and future users of the site. The teaching rooms are adaptable and open for business and community use outside core teaching times.

The West Hub is a low-energy building which has scored an ‘Excellent’ BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) rating. A 10% reduction in carbon emissions has been achieved using zero and low carbon solutions such as a ground source heat pump.

Neil Pixsley, Project Director at Bouygues UK said, “Following the completion of the Triangle Project for the University of Cambridge, we are proud to have been part of the team to deliver this outstanding building. The architecture and attention to detail has resulted in a truly inspirational building for both the University and the wider community which everyone who has been part of the project can be proud of.’’

Matt Allen, Project Director at the University of Cambridge said, “We are delighted that Bouygues UK has successfully delivered this strategic hub building which will significantly enhance the facilities at the University’s West Cambridge site. The West Hub is a vital milestone towards supporting an impactful innovation district that will help the University to retain its globally competitive position.”

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New Construction Apprenticeship Gives Boost to School Leavers

A new Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard is filling a skills gap in the building sector and giving a boost to school-leavers, according to West Yorkshire construction employers.

The recently-approved Construction Support Technician (CST) Apprenticeship is the result of two and a half years of collaboration between Leeds College of Building, a network of employers, professional bodies (CABE & CICES), associations (TICA & CECA), and major contractors across the construction and built environment sector.

Some 27 companies from the construction sector – led by Phil Evans of Barratt Developments – collaborated with the education sector on the creation, design and development of the apprenticeship programme. This co-ordinated effort enabled the new Apprenticeship framework to be fully endorsed by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE). The training will launch in September and school leavers can apply now.

Barratt Developments has agreed to take on 25 new CST Apprentices, with similar interest expressed by energy and regeneration specialist EQUANS (the new name for ENGIE’s services-led activity), Persimmon Homes, and several local thermal insulation and civil engineering contractors.

Brian Duffy, Faculty Director at Leeds College of Building, said:

“Gaining formal approval for this new apprenticeship is such brilliant news as it fills a significant training gap in the industry. I’d like to thank everyone involved in creating this standard after years of hard work. This will now offer a great opportunity for employers and hopefully allow a host of apprentices from a range of backgrounds to build long and successful careers in construction and the built environment.

“Many employers want a local apprentice who can learn on the job from a young age. With this training, apprentices get a good grounding in six potential career pathways – estimating, quantity surveying, architectural technology (design and build), purchasing, on-site technician, and planning – before choosing to specialise. This broad understanding of the sector will be invaluable to employers, particularly SMEs who need staff with more rounded skills.”

Phil Evans, Chair of the employer board, and Head of Grants and Funding at Barratt Developments, said:

“I’m really pleased that the Construction Support Technician Apprenticeship Standard has been approved. I’d like to thank all the members of the Trailblazer Group, especially the previous Chair, Lee Firth, who led the group almost to the end. This standard will provide an important development opportunity for new entrants to the industry in roles where we have a skills shortage at all levels.

“A big challenge for the sector as we move towards net-zero carbon is ensuring that there is a new generation of workers with the skills needed to deliver the Future Home Standard. This new apprenticeship programme is a significant step towards attracting and retaining a larger and more diverse workforce to meet the future needs of communities.”

Owing to the project’s success, Leeds College of Building was invited to deliver a best practice seminar to a range of college members in the British Association of Construction Heads (BACH) to showcase the Construction Support Technician (CST) Apprenticeship Standard. 

Jordan Grainger, Learning & Development Manager at EQUANS said:

“It has been a pleasure to be part of the trailblazer group to develop this much needed apprenticeship standard. The course will enable young people to enter the industry and gain a recognised qualification that gives them a breadth of knowledge and skills within the built environment, allowing them to develop through a specific career pathway. 

“At EQUANS, we have noticed a gap in the current apprenticeship offering which has had an impact on recruitment for Construction Technician roles. We are now excited to be seeking our first Level 3 CST apprentices this summer, allowing us to continue to build our early careers talent pool.” 

The CST Apprenticeship acts as an alternative pathway to A Levels and requires four GCSEs at grade 4 and above, including Maths and English. Apprentices attending Leeds College of Building will complete a BTEC L3 Diploma and produce a work-based portfolio whilst working towards completion of an End Point Assessment to conclude their apprenticeship over the two-year duration. Employers considering taking on an apprentice and interested in the CST Apprenticeship can contact the Leeds College of Building Apprenticeship Team on 0113 222 6041 or email wblinfo@lcb.ac.uk.

For full course information, visit the Leeds College of Building website.

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Contractor appointed to build new £9.1m school in Powys

A building project that will transform education for vulnerable learners in Powys has reached an important milestone, the county council has announced.

ISG Ltd has been awarded the contract by Powys County Council to build a new school for Brynllywarch Hall School.  Construction on the £9.1m project will start early next year.

The school, located in Kerry near Newtown, provides education for pupils from 8 to 19-year-olds, with a wide range of complex emotional, behavioural and social difficulties.

The project will help the council improve learner entitlement and experience.

When completed, the council will have delivered a purpose-built and flagship community focused school with 72 places in age-appropriate environments which will include:

  • Specialist support and provision to pupils with challenging behaviour, emotional and social difficulties in a modern and innovative learning environment
  • Appropriate learning spaces to deliver the new national curriculum
  • Specialist equipment, including IT facilities, to support teaching and learning outcomes which will help to ensure all learners maximise their potential
  • A fully equipped class base, with breakout space and hygiene facilities, together with an individual outdoor learning area.

Community groups will also be able to access the facilities out of school hours.

The Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme (formerly the 21st Century Schools Programme) will fund 75% of the school construction project with the remaining 25% being funded by the council.

This exciting development is the latest construction project that has been tendered by the council that has used the National TOMs Framework – which stands for themes, outcomes and measures – which has been developed to help councils measure the social value outcomes in their contracts.

The social value element of this project has been calculated at £2.093m which will require ISG Ltd to provide substantial opportunities for local contractors as well as deliver additional community benefits during the scheme’s construction.

Cllr Pete Roberts, Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said: “I’m delighted see ISG Ltd appointed as the lead contractors to build the new school for Brynllywarch Hall School.

“The existing Brynllywarch Hall building no longer offers a suitable environment for the teaching and support requirements of pupils with significant behavioural, emotional or social difficulties.

“When complete, the new building will provide an environment where teaching staff can thrive and provide pupils with the facilities that enable their needs to be met their needs giving them a more enjoyable and fulfilling educational experience.

“We therefore look forward to working together with ISG Ltd as them turn the plans into bricks and mortar.”

Kath Roberts-Jones, Chair of Governors and Headteacher Gavin Randell, said: ” The whole school community is very pleased that the well needed new school is progressing and is looking forward to working closely with the contractors and bring the school to completion.”

ISG’s Operations Director, Kevin McElroy, said: “We’re proud to be working with Powys County Council to build state-of-the-art facilities for Brynllywarch Hall School. It is an exemplar project designed around the principles of strong contractor engagement to deliver an outstanding education facility that brings equal learning opportunities to all of its students.

“Upon completion the facility will provide the much-needed specialist support and the learning environments to deliver tailored lessons, enabling and empowering all pupils to be educated to the national curriculum – all while meeting crucial environmental criteria. Once open it is set to achieve net zero carbon in operation and offer significant social value requirements that we look forward to collaborating with Powys on and maximising local opportunities.

“The delivery of this project expands on our vast experience in the area and is the latest we have secured through the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme via the SEWSCAP3 Framework. It follows the successful completion of South Point Primary in the Vale of Glamorgan earlier this year, the first net zero carbon school in Wales.”

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Temporary School at the Eden Project

CGI of the proposed Sky Primary Academy which is to be built as part of the West Carclaze Garden Village development near St Austell

 

 

A temporary school is set to be built at the Eden Project after a new primary school for the West Carclaze Garden Village was put on hold after the builders went into administration.

A planning application has been submitted to Cornwall Council for the temporary school buildings.

The application is for a modular school building which will have two classrooms, offices, a store and toilet facilities.

It is proposed to be built on land which is currently used as an overflow car park for the attraction.

However, work has come to a halt after the contractor building the new school went into administration.

As a result the temporary school at Eden would be used for the first pupils who should have started at the new school in September.

A design and access statement with the application said: “The temporary accommodation will provide space for pupils anticipated to start at the proposed new single form entry Sky Primary Academy and Eden Project Nursery at the West Carclaze Garden Village, which had been due to open in September 2022.

“Construction is currently delayed due to the contractor going into administration, which results in the need for the temporary accommodation until a new contractor can be appointed and construction of the permanent site completed.

“The school will be operated by Kernow Learning.”

The temporary school building will have space for staff and visitor parking and there will also be a playground area for the children.

There will be a separate drop-off area for children and parents as well as designated pedestrian routes into the school.

A summary in the design and access statement said: “This proposal addresses the need to provide temporary accommodation for pupils due to start in September 2022 at the proposed new Sky Primary Academy and Eden Project Nursery as part of the West Carclaze Garden Village.

Source: The Packet

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New Research Facility – University of Glasgow

A flagship research facility at the University of Glasgow has been opened by Nobel prize winning Chemist, Professor Sir David MacMillan.

The £118 million Mazumdar-Shaw Advanced Research Centre (ARC) will be the creative and collaborative heart of cross-disciplinary research at the University of Glasgow.

Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow welcomed guests to an event in the atrium of the new building. Nobel Laureate, Professor Sir David MacMillan, addressed attendees before unveiling a plaque to mark the official opening of the building.

The University’s UNESCO Poet in Residence, Tawona Sithole, performed a specially commissioned piece of poetry, entitled ‘arc’, to celebrate the occasion.

The Mazumdar-Shaw ARC will provide a unique environment for delivering world changing research; it is designed to promote collaboration and pioneer new ways of working.

It will also act as a catalyst for strengthening relationships between the University of Glasgow and its stakeholders including funders, industry, civic bodies, and the public.

The building is named after University of Glasgow graduate John Shaw and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, who donated $7.5 million to the University of Glasgow for the building’s construction and to fund a Professorial Chair.

Speaking at the event, Prof Sir MacMillan said: “I am honoured to open the Mazumdar-Shaw Advanced Research Centre at the University of Glasgow. This truly is a unique and inspiring building, which recognises and reflects the University of Glasgow’s world changing research ambitions.”

Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, said: “The Mazumdar-Shaw Advanced Research Centre creates an environment that enables bold and creative research with world-changing potential.

“This would not have been possible without the hard work of all our colleagues who have helped bring the ARC to reality and all the people and organisations who believe in the University of Glasgow’s vision. I would like to thank you all for your support”

Kiran and John Shaw said: “It is our fervent hope that the Mazumdar-Shaw Advanced Research Centre will provide a unique environment that supports the kind of inter-disciplinary, collaborative research that leads to breakthrough and world changing innovations, which will enhance the quality of life and through the betterment of human society.”

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Lord Provost marks Usher building milestone at topping out celebration

left – right: Aziz Sheikh, Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, Jonathan Seckl

Construction of a world-class research and teaching facility at Edinburgh BioQuarter has reached its highest point.

Due to open in 2024, the new Usher building will accelerate data-driven innovation within the health and care sector.

The Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Councillor Robert Aldridge, joined representatives from across the University of Edinburgh and Edinburgh BioQuarter, alongside principal contractor McLaughlin & Harvey, to celebrate the topping out of the building.

The Usher Institute is part of the Data-Driven Innovation initiative and is supported by £48.5million from the UK Government and £0.7million from the Scottish Government through the £1.4 billion Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal – a 15 year investment programme jointly funded by both governments and regional partners.

The new building will join a growing health innovation ecosystem across the Edinburgh and South East Scotland region.

Once open, it will bring together over 900 researchers, health and care providers, and industry partners focused on transforming the delivery of health and social care.

Building on existing expertise and interdisciplinary research within the Usher Institute, the project will accelerate new public, private and third sector partnerships to discover, develop and deploy data-driven solutions to address the most pressing issues in health and social care.

Development of the building will also bring additional benefits to the local community, with a dedicated open space for community connections, support and inspiration for STEM and innovation life-long learning and employment and by being a good neighbour.

 

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “It’s fantastic that the next milestone has been reached on what will be a world class research and teaching facility in the region. The Usher Institute was and continues to be central to Scotland’s understanding of, and response to, COVID-19. The importance of using data science to improve and save lives has never been more obvious and I very much look forward to the work that will be undertaken in the finished Usher building. The Usher Institute enhances Scotland’s world-leading health data assets and is central to our future ambitions for developing an international network of healthcare innovation at Edinburgh BioQuarter to understand and advance global health.”

 

 

Professor Sir Aziz Sheikh, Director, Usher Institute said: “Collaboration is at the core of our data-driven vision for the new building, bringing together outstanding academic and clinical expertise within the Usher Institute, alongside companies and health and social care providers. Working together, we hope to find solutions to some of the biggest health challenges facing our country, delivering better health and care for those in the region and across Scotland.”

 

Anna Stamp, Interim Programme Director, Edinburgh BioQuarter said: “The Usher Institute will deliver unrivalled health and social care data opportunities, and is designed to reflect the collaborative nature of the institute and our community of world-leading health and life sciences innovators.

“This groundbreaking development will support the wider ambitions to make Edinburgh the data capital of Europe, and supports our vision to create a Health Innovation District that will ensure Edinburgh is a leading global destination for pioneering health innovation and enterprise. Delivering many benefits for people and patients, locally, nationally and internationally.”

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Battersea Campus Significant Transformation

 image © Iwan Baan

Signifying the most significant expansion in its history, the Royal College of Art celebrates the unveiling of its new Herzog & de Meuron-designed campus in Battersea, London. RCA notes that the £135 million expansion signifies its ongoing transformation into a dynamic postgraduate university focused on science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM).

Alongside the new built space — defined in part by its brickwork volume stretching a full city block — the university’s curriculum will expand into computer and materials science, robotics, advanced manufacturing, complex visualization and data science, and intelligent mobility. With this forward-thinking new focus, RCA aims to inspire and enable its students to take on some of the most critical challenges of the modern age.

With its new campus for the Royal College of Art in London, Herzog & de Meuron introduces a massive amount of new facility and studio spaces for students. First, four stories of studios and workshops will host room for Sculpture and Contemporary Art Practice, Moving Image (video and film), and the School of Design. These studios will create collaborative social and educational areas, along with space for temporary exhibitions and large-scale works.

The so-called Hangar is a double height, 350 square-meter (3,770 square-foot) multi-purpose activity space at the center of the campus. Here, vast doors at each end allow for the installation of heavy, large, or complex works of art. Next, a Robotics Hangar takes shape as a smaller hangar and gallery space for the research testing and assembly of intelligent mobility, design engineering, sculpture and robotics — enabling even the testing of aerial and aquatic robotics.

The Rausing Research & Innovation Building introduces eight floors of dedicated independent and confidential research space for areas such as materials science, soft robotics, advanced manufacturing, intelligent mobility, and AR and VR visualization, housed in the Snap Visualisation Lab.

A new purpose-built home has been built for the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design, which undertakes design research and projects with industry that contribute to improving people’s lives. The InnovationRCA now stands as the RCA’s center for enterprise, entrepreneurship, incubation, and business support.

 

Herzog & de meuron respects the community and environment

The new Herzog & de Meuron-designed campus will ensure that the Royal College of Art engages the local community. Public walkways intersect the site, continuing the original Victorian street grid of this quarter of London. Meanwhile, the interior fit-out of the new campus celebrates the iconic designs of RCA alumni and staff, bringing together furniture and fittings selected for their approach to sustainable manufacturing and energy efficiency, concepts which are central to the new development.

The building has been certified as BREEAM excellent following a £3 million investment, using a combination of integrated design and most significantly a commitment to low and zero carbon technologies.

Source: Design Boom

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LEARNING OUTDOORS

Highwood and Romsey Primary School celebrate the official opening of ‘amazing’ new outdoor classroom to enrich science learning

You can view a timelapse film of the building of Romsey Primary School’s new outdoor classroom here:

 

Highwood, the renowned Romsey-based property developer, has joined children and staff of Romsey Primary School and Nursery to celebrate the official opening of a special outdoor classroom it has donated that will enrich the way the children learn about science and other subjects while connecting closely with nature.

Spruce Class, the new teaching facility, forms part of the Cosmos project, an initiative funded by the European Commission to establish the viability and sustainability of ‘open schooling’ and collaboration in science education. Southampton University will now work with Romsey Primary School to collect data to evaluate the long-term success of science education within the new environment.

Highwood jumped at the opportunity to donate the new classroom to the school and, to get the project off the ground, a determined team of Highwood volunteers spent three days transforming a beautiful outside area into a teaching space for the children. With generous support from local businesses, including Carlton Civil Engineering, Ace Liftaway, Elliotts and Travis Perkins, the project was an impressive community effort that will provide invaluable educational rewards for the children for generations to come.

A sanctuary for the children to explore the connection between nature and education

‘Highwood is a proud Romsey business and being able to support our local community is very important to us,’ revealed Mark Baskerville, CEO of Highwood. ‘Many of our employees are also local and we know the difference acts of kindness can make to their families – especially when it involves children whose schooling has been affected by the Covid pandemic.

‘Highwood builds homes, care homes and retirement villages for communities across our region and our mission is always to enhance the lives of those within them. It’s been an absolute pleasure to do that on such a local scale for the children and teachers at Romsey Primary School.’

Headteacher, Jason Anderson, reinforced the need for children to be given the space to learn after a period of such disruption.

‘The pandemic and lockdowns have had a huge impact on our children,’ he commented. ‘We’re now providing a range of spaces for children to learn in where they feel safe, happy and can readjust. The new outdoor teaching space is an amazing opportunity for them to have their own special sanctuary and benefit from the special connection between nature and education.

‘It’s also important for us to shape future generations’ attitudes to service and charity and to show the impact those values can make. Highwood has demonstrated that explicitly through its very generous donation – the message that gives is invaluable.’

Romsey’s Abbey Ward Town Councillor, Nik Daas, was invited to cut the ribbon and declared the superb new teaching facility open.

‘It’s a wonderful space that will deliver huge benefits for the school,’ said Cllr. Daas. ‘It will bring the children closer to nature and support them with their learning after these difficult years. Spruce Class will enable them to get out of the classroom and learn in a new, inspiring way and I’m sure they’ll make full use of it. Thanks to Highwood and Romsey Primary School, this fantastic project will be a huge asset to the children of Romsey.’

The generosity of local businesses also saw Hillier Garden Centre gift the children a fantastic selection of seeds and gardening equipment and they wasted no time in potting an array of flowers and vegetables as soon as the new classroom was declared open.

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