University Square, Stratford, London
Project team
Client:University of East London and Birkbeck, University of London
Architect:Make Architects
Structural Engineer:Capita Symonds
Main Contractor:VolkerFitzpatrick
Officially opened by HRH The Princess Royal in 2013, this £33m higher-education building provides 8,600m2 of space over five floors. The campus building houses teaching and performing spaces, as well as offices for tutors and administrators.
Natural lighting is a feature throughout the building, from the atrium to the large teaching areas, and is reflected elegantly from the exposed concrete ceilings. The thermal mass of the concrete is also used to reduce heating and cooling energy.
Thermal performance was particularly important for this building, as there are occupants for both daytime and evening study, so all-day comfort was the target.
An in-situ concrete frame is the structure behind this BREEAM ‘excellent’ rated project.