University of Bath

Key facts & challenges

Summary

The University of Bath is investing over £200m in a five-year programme to further improve the world-class facilities it offers on campus. Alongside a new teaching space and centre for the arts, the University developed a new, state-of-the-art student accommodation complex. The design brief was to create 708 en-suite bedrooms across five buildings also featuring communal kitchens, lounges and refectory area, whilst also achieving fire and sound rating criteria throughout the site. Siniat worked with architects, Stride Treglown, design build contractor Laing O’Rourke and sub-contractor BR Hodgson. The build coincided with some very challenging weather conditions, so the water resistant qualities of GTEC Weather Defence certainly helped on site.

Sector

Student Accommodation

Project Value

£35m

Client

University of Bath

Contractor

Laing O'Rourke

Subcontractor

BR Hodgson

Location

Bath, United Kingdom

Country

UK

Installation Description

"Siniat is an excellent partner to work with, we really value their technical support and can rely on them to deliver efficiency and expertise on every project."

Installation

The benefits of Siniat [Weather Defence™](https://www.siniat.co.uk/en-gb/products-and-systems/products/external-boards/weather-defence/) became very apparent when the start of this build process coincided with severe weather. The board’s water resistant qualities meant it could be left exposed to the elements without fear of damage. It can be cut without the need for electrical power tools, making it a faster, safer and a more cost efficient way of sheathing a building, whatever the weather conditions. Weather Defence delivered advanced sustainability benefits as it carries 40% less embodied carbon than cement particle board

Quote from

Matt Ball, Technical Director, BR Hodgson

Impact

"With the University of Bath's International reputation for excellence, we needed to deliver a bold, innovative and modern build solution that would reflect their ambitions. As with builds of this nature, space often comes at a premium. We're delighted the innovations in our systems deliver high performance requirements, such as strength and acoustic levels whilst maximising footprint. Having a secure and quiet place to study is key for student success and we are proud to be part of a project that helps shape the University experience."

Quote from

Chris Norris, Architectural Specification Manager