Construction starts on new Engineering and Science Library

Image: Hopkins Architects

Currently under construction, the project will modernise the library to twenty-first century standards and greatly increase its usability and connectivity with the surrounding area.

The project is composed of two main parts: the existing library, with its low ceiling heights, will be thoroughly renovated and joined with a new curved extension that expresses new open reading and study areas beyond. The number of individual and group learning spaces within the library will double and be combined with a new Social Hub catering area. Designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent, it allows the library to remain in use through the entire process.

Enhancing the student experience

The £18 million redevelopment scheme is now on site and will fully incorporate the existing George Green Library. The scheme presents a significant opportunity to enhance the student experience and respond to the current high demand for student study space.

Image: Hopkins Architects

The completed building will include:

Bright inviting atrium and lobby space;
Mix of quiet and silent reader study spaces;
Group study areas;
Individual study desks;
Double the number of reader spaces;
A catering outlet;
Fixed and moveable book stacks;
Bookable group study rooms of different sizes;
Bookable individual study rooms;
6 language laboratories;
Post graduate only study space on level F;

Bruynzeel static and mobile shelving will feature throughout the new extension and the refurbished library, uniting the internal spaces while ensuring that storage space is optimised. The Bruynzeel installation features integral LED lighting on the shelving bays, which provides better illumination than conventional ceiling lights.

The building upon completion will achieve a BREEAM 'excellent' rating as do all University developments. The building will be connected to the University's district heating system and will also include some of the following:

turbo-core chillers on the air handling units;
high efficiency fan coil units;
air displacement ventilation system;
separate extraction system for the catering facility;
low energy lighting with absence detection throughout;
photovoltaic panels for electricity generation;

Image: Hopkins Architects

The development is expected to be completed in summer 2015.