The Challenge
For the Student Hub Syntegral’s appointment started at Stage 4, with a review of the Stage 3 works prepared by the previous consultants. The brief was to increase the use of the building by students by creating a new lecture theatre, Student Service and employability centre.
The Aston Webb Buildings were the foundation buildings on the University of Birmingham’s main campus in 1900. Originally designed by Sir Aston Webb and Ingress Bell, the leaded domes and clock tower are part of the iconic image of the University and have a Grade II* listing placing them in the top 8% of historical buildings in the UK.
The project opens several key spaces, exposing the original engineered structure and form of the building. The 250-seat lecture theatre sits within the space originally used as a mining and smelting workshop, whilst the student service centre is open to the roof, exposing the original curved steel trusses.
The Solution
Preserving the historical integrity and protecting the architectural details and materials required careful integration with the existing structure. Revit 3D BIM was used to coordinate the MEP services with the architects and structural engineers. This allowed for early clash detection and efficient routing of services through the existing roof trusses.
The design provided a delicate balance between historical preservation and modern functionality.
