Client’s Requirements

The Leeds University School of Geography has grown substantially over the last twenty years with particularly rapid growth in the last five years. This has been driven by record levels of research income and high numbers of undergraduate students.

Silcock Leedham’s Contribution

To accommodate this growth, the University was looking to move the department to a fully refurbished space in the Garstang Building. The newly refurbished building was to include a reception facility, Laboratory facilities, including a freezer and temperature control room and meeting and office space.

Silcock Leedham was appointed to complete client side duties from RIBA Stage A/B to Stage E. This included the completion of feasibility studies right through to  pre-construction. In addition, we were asked to act as client technical advisors throughout the construction process.

Added Value / Unique Selling Points

We developed a coherent low energy servicing strategy incorporating new efficient plant and equipment, whilst also connecting into the Universities existing site-wide central systems of steam and chilled water.

The listed buildings designed by Chamberlain Powell & Bonn, posed significant challenges and imposed stringent restrictions for how services could be distributed to serve the multi-use occupied spaces. This combined with the need to keep accommodation on the lower floors served by plant running on upper floors, made for a particularly interesting and enjoyable challenge!