University of Huddersfield refurbishment

Key facts

• 2750m2
• 32-week programme
• 500 rooftop solar panels
• Replacement of mechanical and electrical building services
• Improved accessibility including new lifts
• New mezzanine spaces
• Glazed observation corridors
• External recladding

Refurbishing high tech university facilities

The Technology Building dates from the mid 1950’s and has been adapted and refurbished over the years. The remodelling work will modernise this part of the University and provide cutting edge facilities to reflect the pioneering research undertaken here.

The remodelled Technology Building will be the location for scientists and engineers researching topics as diverse as digital manufacturing, virtual reality, internet of things (IoT), digital forensics, fluid sciences and electric vehicles. It will also include the innovative Smart House – a two-storey domestic dwelling set inside a laboratory. It will allow research and development work on a range of 21st century topics such as: smart energy technologies; domestic environmental monitoring; new interfaces for home entertainment systems; and robotics for assisted living.

Internally, glazed corridors will let visitors to the building see the important research work taking place inside.

Working in a live campus environment

Our attention to detail in planning and logistics, scheduling of works, and health and safety will ensure that the existing building and equipment stay in operation while the refurbishment is carried out.

Sustainable refurbishment

The new building will also have 500 solar panels installed on its roof, helping to reduce conventional energy consumption from the National Grid. This is a key contributor to the University's '10 Point Plan' towards achieving Carbon Neutral status.

This is a major project for us, enhancing our research capability in important areas in engineering where we already have world-leading teams. It is also an important investment in our plans to become carbon neutral.

– Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Thornton

Project team

Architect: AHR
Project manager: Turner & Townsend
Principal contractor: Robertson Yorkshire & East Midlands
QS / Cost Planner: Faithful & Gould
M&E engineer: Silcock Leedham