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A facility to inspire and prepare the next generation of engineers

At a Glance

  • 1,600

    Students

  • 8,500

    Square Metres

  • A

    EPC Value

Location
Bristol, United Kingdom
Offices
Client
  • The University of the
  • West of England (UWE)
Architect
AHR
Awards
British Construction Industry Awards (BCIA), Project of the Year, 2021
British Construction Industry Awards (BCIA), Social Infrastructure Project of the Year, 2021
Display Energy Certificate (DEC), B Rating

UWE Faculty of Engineering and Design Building

The University of the West of England (UWE) wanted to create a new teaching and research facility that would support the training of the next generation of engineers. They engaged our team to provide full end-to-end multidisciplinary engineering services for this project.

The building considers and supports the varying physical natures of different engineering subjects. Heavier, more traditional, material-based disciplines are located lower down with the lighter, cleaner, more technology-focused ones further up.

Subjects such as structural engineering, construction material, mechanical workshops, and engine test cells that require large spaces are located on the ground floor. Here, we designed a reinforced concrete slab mounted on special acoustic bearing pads to absorb vibrational impacts. We also incorporated sound insulation to offset noise disruptions to adjoining rooms when equipment is in operation.

The high-tech electronics labs, modeling and simulation suites, and mechatronics labs with robotic arms on the other floors had entirely different requirements. These spaces needed solutions to combat high heat gains and sensitivity to noise and vibration.

Additionally, we incorporated a number of features to meet UWE’s ambitious goal to reduce carbon emissions by 2030. These included rainwater collection facilities, a solar panel array, a combined heat and power district heating network connection, and low carbon design principles. Designed as a smart building, rooms can be controlled individually through the building management system.

The completed Faculty of Engineering and Design building reflects UWE’s aim of encouraging greater diversity within engineering and meeting the local demand for skilled graduates with flexible and collaborative teaching, learning, and research spaces for 1,600 students and 100 employees.

At a Glance

  • 1,600

    Students

  • 8,500

    Square Metres

  • A

    EPC Value

Location
Bristol, United Kingdom
Offices
Client
  • The University of the
  • West of England (UWE)
Architect
AHR
Awards
British Construction Industry Awards (BCIA), Project of the Year, 2021
British Construction Industry Awards (BCIA), Social Infrastructure Project of the Year, 2021
Display Energy Certificate (DEC), B Rating

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