27-LSI Architects Architecture, planning and development News 070708

Subscribe to newsletter

Editor's Note: LSI Architects provide:-

Architecture, planning and development

Request Information

Home
Include Article
Advertise

Links
Request Information
Terms of use
Contact

Request Facilities / Interiors product information

Request Architectural product information A-J

Request Architectural product information K-Z

Request Mechanical HVAC product information

Request Electrical product information

LSI Architects Announces Completion of Major Student Residence Scheme at University of East Anglia

London and Norwich based LSI Architects has announced the completion of a major (£28.5M) phase 2 student accommodation scheme at the campus of Norwich city’s University of East Anglia’s (UEA). This second phase provides 900 additional bedrooms in five blocks and follows the completion of the first phase student residences, Colman House. Also designed by LSI Architects, Phase1 comprises 400 high standard study bedrooms with ensuite facilities within two blocks, including six fully accessible rooms for students with disabilities.

LSI Architects has been responsible for the design of a wide range of innovative and state-of-the-art facilities on campus which include: a £50M Eastern Development Masterplan (EDMP) for the 1300 new student residences a health and community centre; the refurbishment of the Grade II-listed ‘Teaching Wall’ to provide science research facilities to contemporary standards, and more recently, a new £30M International School (INTO) comprising teaching, accommodation, laboratories, library, restaurant, and 415 student residences. The INTO Centre is due for completion this autumn.

Phase 2 of the student residences scheme incorporates single study bedrooms with ensuite facilities and communal kitchen / dining rooms, along with staff support accommodation, wheelchair accessible bedrooms and servicing facilities. This second phase required the application of new standards, building regulations, and DDA, which were introduced since Phase 1 was procured. The Design & Build project commenced in 2004.

Phase 2 student residences were recently a finalist in the LABC (Local Authority Building Control) East Anglia Region Built In Quality Awards 2008, under the category ‘Best Housing or Residential Project’. The Regional Built in Quality Awards recognise and reward the most forward looking people and organisations and the most innovative construction projects completed over the last year. The Awards are dedicated to showcasing the best the construction industry has to offer in East Anglia.

Longevity and maintenance were key to the client, alongside the need to provide a crisp, articulated building in the architectural context of the UEA. As with Phase 1, a palette of faced block, coloured render and timbers were used to maximum effect. The roof profile was simplified from the ‘double curved’ barrel roof on phase 1 to a monopitch roof to ensure crisp detailing as the building flowed around the new external spaces, all important to creating a sense of space for the residences. Both construction phases were designed specifically to use the tunnel form concrete form of construction to maximise spans and thickness of walls and enabling a very efficient construction programme.

Pre-fabricated shower room pods of a high quality and efficient for construction of mass rooms were installed as were pre-fabricated building services and package plant rooms. The roof top plant rooms formed timber pop ups - part of the buildings dialogue expressing the entrance cores. These were crisply detailed in vertical timber cladding to emphasise the curve and verticality.

David Thompson, Project Architect and a Principal Member of LSI Architects, commented: “The plans for all our schemes designed at UEA have involved widespread consultation, including local residents. The schemes are of high quality and the layout and arrangement of the accommodation have been devised to fit in with the existing design ethos, and changing cultural climate. Our design solutions within the UEA environment aim to improve people’s lives and enhance learning and teaching. They respond directly to the context, client brief, programme and budget. We have incorporated a continuing theme of environmentally responsible buildings which characterises the campus and it is rewarding to see the evolution of the campus since our first commission in 2000.”

Joseph Saunders, Director of Estates Development, UEA, Norwich, said: “UEA has a vibrant campus with cutting-edge architecture set against beautiful rural surroundings. The schemes designed by LSI Architects are of extremely high architectural standards. The new accommodation and improved facilities demonstrate our commitment to the continual improvement of our student and teaching facilities and to enriching the experience of life at the UEA for everyone. We have been pleased with LSI Architects’ understanding of the needs of the education sector and of designing educational facilities and accommodation. The team also understands that managing stakeholders, capturing key project information, the participation of end-users and effective communications are fundamental to successful project delivery.”

Other recent education projects designed by London and Norwich based LSI Architects, include: Notre Dame ‘Classroom of the Future’, Norwich; a new Business & Enterprise Centre at Flegg High School, Norfolk and the further expansion/redevelopment of facilities; the expansion of boarding facilities at Wymondham College, Norfolk and the refurbishment of Hamond’s High School in Swaffham. With broad experience throughout the range of education projects from Nurseries and Schools to Colleges and Universities, LSI Architects has current working project knowledge of all main procurements types: PFI, Local Authority Framework, Partnering, Traditional, Design & Build, and Develop & Construct.

Email: carri@carismacommunications.co.uk