David Harris says the benefits of a new IT suite at the University of Hull extend beyond those traditionally associated with modular construction techniques.
A new, state-of-the-art IT suite or 'Data Science, AI & Modelling (DAIM) Centre' commissioned by the University of Hull highlights the advantages of construction for the UK’s tertiary education sector.
The two-storey building caused minimal disruption to the university’s services and was completed in just 20 weeks.
Such facilities are increasingly in demand, as universities face pressure to upgrade and expand their STEM services. These disciplines are an essential wing of the education sector with nearly three million people expected to be employed in STEM occupations by 2026. The government's investment into cutting-edge facilities therefore offers a great opportunity for higher education institutions to build new, high-quality, specialist buildings using modern construction techniques.
These disciplines are an essential wing of the education sector with nearly three million people expected to be employed in STEM occupations by 2026.
The government’s investment into cutting-edge facilities therefore offers a great opportunity for higher education institutions to build new, high-quality, specialist buildings using modern construction techniques.
Higher education's adoption of net zero carbon targets in the UK means institutions now need to choose more sustainable building methods when commissioning new facilities. Universities and further education colleges around the world generated 18 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) - emissions produced from different greenhouse gases - in 2021/22.
In the UK, schools and universities are responsible for 36 per cent of the public sector's building emissions, a carbon footprint every institution is trying to reduce by committing to net zero targets. Using modular for new buildings is one way higher education establishments are reducing their emissions; the method sends zero waste to landfill, employs low carbon technologies, manufactures buildings in a factory with tighter tolerances which thereby reduces a building's wasted operational energy.
Universities and further education colleges around the world generated 18 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) - emissions produced from different greenhouse gases – in 2021/22.
In the UK, schools and universities are responsible for 36 per cent of the public sector’s building emissions, a carbon footprint every institution is trying to reduce by committing to net zero targets.
Using modular for new buildings is one way higher education establishments are reducing their emissions; the method sends zero waste to landfill, employs low carbon technologies, manufactures buildings in a factory with tighter tolerances which thereby reduces a building’s wasted operational energy.
The agility of modular construction additionally makes it easier to incorporate sustainable design features, like the energy-efficient lighting and solar panels used in the University of Hull’s IT suite.
Such inclusions ensured the building achieved an EPC A rating and brought the University one step closer to achieving its net zero ambition.
To further reduce the building’s embodied carbon, Premier Modular recycled existing modules to create the building – another way in which modular helps higher education institutions hit sustainability goals.
The move to modular
Modular construction is considerably faster than traditional methods due to the offsite production of building components and reduced time spent onsite.
The precision manufacturing involved in modular construction equally facilitates greater flexibility in a building’s design; it can enable clients to acquire the facilities they need, at speed, and within the tightest of site constraints or to stringent specifications.
The new IT complex has been fully integrated with the University’s campus and features specialised equipment that includes 250 computer workstations, repeater screens, audio visual systems, supplied by the University’s internal AV team and GVAV Limited, a control centre, a presenting podium and a meeting room for student collaboration.
Built around two open-plan teaching spaces, the internal environment comfortably fits storage space, toilets and entrance lobbies to the IT department.
Higher education’s adoption of net zero carbon targets in the UK means institutions now need to choose more sustainable building methods when commissioning new facilities.
To ensure the building was accessible and complied with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, a platform lift was also incorporated.
Each of these features was achieved to the client’s exact specification and satisfaction.
Improving installation efficiency
The flexibility of modular buildings makes this method of construction suitable for installing structures on sites that are challenging or difficult to access.
Such agility and rigour were essential for the installation of the University of Hull’s DAIM building.
The logistical challenges which needed to be overcome included having to lift components over pedestrian bridges, limited access to the site both in terms of location and timing, and it being a live student campus at the time of installation.
Intelligent integration
As the facility was an extension to the existing campus, seamless integration was a key priority in the design process.
Chris Phoenix, a Consultant Project Manager at Rider Levett Bucknall, says: “The integration Premier was able to achieve on infrastructure and design levels was commendable, as was their installation of the building which had minimal impact upon campus activities.
“The dedication and skill that went into this project has resulted in a space that will reinforce the high standard of education the students receive and help the University to stay on track with its sustainability targets.”
The building management system (BMS) used to tailor the new building’s operations was aligned with the university’s heritage system.
Fittings, fixtures and other interior design elements additionally reflected the features found in other buildings to create a uniform consistency throughout.
Visual integration between the exterior of the IT suite and the existing buildings was achieved to an exceptional standard.
The blend between the style of the campus and the IT suite is seamless, but still allows the new building to stand out.
Future-proof facilities
With the needs of higher education establishments changing every year, universities and colleges need buildings that can support fluctuations in demand.
The full turnkey facility for the University of Hull was future-proofed in this way, expanding the institution’s campus capacity and reinforcing its IT faculty to support STEM and other educational services.
