Students Union: University of Chester

Working closely with the client and our design team, we developed the scheme which would replace the existing building on the site and provide a new two storey building, comprising a reception area, a cafe bar, a rest area, various student services including an advice centre, IT suite and administrative offices. There would also be a link from the new building to the existing Students Union Bar.

Designed by Chester-based architects, Design Group, the two storey structure was a steel frame founded on reinforced concrete pad foundations. The roof was an insulated metal deck with single ply membrane covering. The external walls comprised traditional insulated masonry interspersed with render panels and curtain walling to the front elevation. Internal walls were constructed of insulated metal stud partitions with pre-finished "thermacell" board to conceal services. A high level of finishes, fixtures and fittings was required throughout and these involved associated mechanical and electrical works, providing a lift and acoustic ceilings among other features. External works and landscaping, mainly involving drainage and paving, were also to be carried out.

The scheme was to be carried out in a "live" environment, with high volumes of students using the campus on a daily basis. Therefore, a great deal of pre-planning and coordination with the site management team was required in order to overcome a number of logistical problems in terms of access/egress for deliveries and the removal of excavated material. A further consideration was to ensure that noise was kept to a minimum during the examination period.