Willmott Dixon Interiors is undertaking the refurbishment of the Sanctuary Buildings, the Department for Education’s headquarters in the heart of Westminster, central London.
Secured through the Southern Construction Framework, the project includes the strip out of the building’s 1990’s interior and its replacement with a modern office space over several floors.
The project is progressing within a live working environment and includes a complete modernisation of the mechanical and electrical (M&E) infrastructure, with new chillers, air handling units (AHUs) and new LV infrastructure
Work on floors 7 and 8 of the building is nearing completion, with the new office space providing a light and airy working environment. It contains glass partitioned offices, a quiet room, as well as modernised kitchen facilities. In addition to new M&E, the office space contains new electrical points for each desk, together with individual monitor stands. Energy-saving LED panel lighting and new acoustic ceiling tiles have also been installed overhead, aiding sound absorption.
The programme of works is having to be carefully managed to ensure that minimal disruption is caused and that switching from the old M&E to the new is as seamless as possible. With work on two floors coming to completion, the strip out of floor 6 is now commencing and floor 4 is scheduled to follow in August 2023.
To support the project’s sustainability objectives, the original windows are being retained across the building and all the original ceiling and carpet tiles are being recycled. With modern low energy lighting and new M&E capabilities, the building will benefit from a reduced carbon footprint and significant energy savings. Due to the number of floors that are being refurbished, the project will continue into 2024.
Our universities are continually juggling the dual demands of upgrading ageing buildings without causing disruption to students.
While there is an inescapable need for modern and engaging learning spaces, the challenge for many university directors of estate is in how to deliver them within limited time periods.
Positive and rewarding student experiences
Willmott Dixon Interiors is at the forefront of efforts to support the Higher and Further Education sector in modernising its estate.
We’ve partnered with Arts University Bournemouth (AUB), University of Cambridge and University of Greenwich to deliver fast-tracked projects that have greatly improved educational facilities.
Not only have they positively impacted student learning, but they are also fuelling greater collaboration and enhancing the social experience of being at university too.
- Fast-tracked projects
- Challenging programmes delivered within academic holidays
- Creation of high-quality environments for staff and students
- Ongoing support for the modernisation of the university estate
- Supporting net zero ambitions of higher education sector
The three projects have enabled us to improve the sustainability of respective buildings and the biodiversity of surrounding communities. And we have also worked with each university to provide career fairs, mock interviews, and work experience opportunities for students during our time on site.
1. New theatre and recording studios for students at Arts University Bournemouth
We have completed the design and build of three studio units at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB).
Designed by our in-house team, the project has transformed existing space into modern theatre and recording studios which will positively impact students in their studies.
Works included the construction of a new mezzanine floor and fit out of new kitchen space, as well as new floors and wall finishes, acoustic curtains, new lighting rigs and furniture. New M&E was installed in all areas, improving the energy performance and efficiency of the studios.
Alongside our delivery of the project, we also made a financial donation to AUB’s sustainability programme which has supported the development of a nature garden, including two homes for hedgehogs.
Awarded via the Pagabo Refit and Refurbishment procurement framework, it is the second project we’ve completed on behalf of AUB following the refurbishment of the university’s Innovation Suite.
Key project outcomes:
- New facilities for students of specialist art courses
- Ongoing involvement in AUB programme to improve the use of existing space
- Financial support for a nature garden as part of AUB’s sustainability programme
2. Upgrade at University of Cambridge energy lab
We were appointed to refurbish the existing combustion test laboratory area within Hopkinson’s Energy Lab at the University of Cambridge.
The project involved demolition works and the construction of new walls and mezzanine floors, and thermal upgrades to the existing roof.
We also delivered an M&E refurbishment and made alterations to suit the reconfigured layout and service proposed laboratory equipment, including new ducting and a flue to the roof.
The refurbishment will provide the university with first class materials production and aerosols instrumentation laboratory facilities.
Key project outcomes:
- Newly refurbished space in existing building
- Creation of specialist laboratory space
- Enabled ongoing use of building while works were carried out
3. Students and support staff benefit from refurbishment at University of Greenwich
The refurbishment of the Dome and Aragon buildings has delivered new and improved spaces for students and staff at the University of Greenwich.
We have refreshed the students’ union within the Dome building through decoration of the soffit and wall finishes, as well as a full lighting upgrade.
At the Aragon building, existing space has been refurbished into modern new offices for student support staff, with a new entrance, floors, ceilings, internal walls, and finishes. We also completed a full removal and upgrade to existing electrical and data systems with new mechanical ventilation and new accessible WCs.
The new environment will positively contribute to the staff and student university experience, by providing modern spaces to work, study, collaborate and socialise.
Key project outcomes:
- Modern students’ union area
- Work delivered without disruption to teaching or student living spaces
- Additional support for students through provision of career workshops
To find out more about our work within the education sector, click here.
Our specialist team of highly skilled professionals that deliver projects within the value band of approximately £5m have completed multiple college projects this year. This offering provides customers with a team that have a variety of experience to deliver fast-track projects across the country.
Higher and Further Education is a key sector for us. Across Willmott Dixon Group, 20% of our overall turnover is in this sector, and this is something we take pride in. Contributing to the improvements of areas where young people will be learning and developing their knowledge is rewarding for our people. The recent uptake in DfE funding into colleges has lead to capital project programmes being pursued.
We have recently secured a place on the Department for Education framework. We hold positions on both the North and South regions across two value bands, £0-6m and £12m+. Due to the value bands we hold on the framework, our team that specialises in projects that are approximately £5m, are ideally positioned to deliver these college projects efficiently. The Department for Education are currently funding refurbishments of selected colleges to create vibrant spaces that students can continue their studies in. These refurbishments are for colleges that have a need to improve the condition of their buildings. This provides Willmott Dixon Interiors with the opportunity to deliver specialist refurbishments at these colleges and create a modern space for students to enjoy. We have recently secured our first project on the £0-6m band that will be delivered by our specialist team.
Buckinghamshire College Group
We completed the refurbishment across three of Buckinghamshire College Group’s campuses; Aylesbury Campus, Wycombe Campus and Amersham Campus. At the Aylesbury campus, we created a Health & Science suite, Early Years teaching space and new digital suite. The creation of a new digital suite and teaching space was also successfully delivered at the Amersham campus. At the Wycombe campus, we created a Health & Science suite with a mock hospital ward, science laboratory, general purpose teaching space. There was also the creation of an Early Years teaching space including a kitchen mock-up and nursery space. These refurbishments enabled the College to provide T-Level courses for Digital, Education & Childcare and Health & Science.
Above: Classroom at Aylesbury Campus
Harlow College
We delivered the internal refurbishment and conversion of three blocks at Harlow College. The works for this involved a soft strip out and a change to floor layouts, alterations to mechanical and electrical work, new fire alarm systems, flooring, and decoration. Additional floor space required new mezzanine to be created with profiled steel decking on a steel frame with additional concrete foundation pads. This refurbishment provides the college with a modern space to support their new T-Level courses, including a specialist facility for nursing courses.
Above: Classroom at Harlow College
Havant and South Downs College
After two successful projects at Havant and South Downs College, they appointed Willmott Dixon Interiors to refurbish the 1st floor at their Waterlooville campus. This provided the college with teaching spaces, collaboration spaces, breakout spaces and a reception area. The space will be used to support the teaching of T-Levels to students and provides a vibrant and modern space for the college.
Above: Classroom at Havant and South Downs College
Providing wider support to the colleges is of greatest importance for us. Making an impact on the community is vital for us to ensure we are not only providing the college with a modern space, but also upskilling and helping the surrounding area as well. Career sessions in local schools and colleges themselves are carried out by our team to improve the knowledge students have on employability and the construction industry.
Sustainability is at the heart of our business. Throughout our refurbishment of colleges, we work to ensure we are improving the sustainability of the building and biodiversity in the surrounding areas. Reducing carbon, water and waste are among the top priorities on each of our sites to ensure we are making a positive impact on the environment.
As technology advances, we implement innovations into our ways of working through digital construction. Using software such as BIM, we create visualisations of the project digitally to enhance the planning process for the refurbishments and make the projects more efficient.
Our work on colleges delivers a positive impact on students and education facilities. We refurbish colleges to provide them with a new, modern area to help support education courses and develop students. A key outcome of our work with colleges is transforming their spaces to facilitate T-Level courses, which allow students to learn in a practical manner. Collaboration is a priority for colleges to enable students to have areas to work together to help each other on their course, and areas of socialisation for the individuals. Our refurbishments facilitate these key aspects and convert college areas into modern spaces.
To view more of our education projects, click here.