Member Article

Birmingham building consultancy plays key role in award-winning project

Birmingham-based building services consultancy, Stewarts, played a key role in delivering the sustainable design which helped Aston University’s Adrian Cadbury building to win the Guardian’s prestigious ‘Buildings that Inspire’ award.

Replacing the old students union building constructed in the 1960s, the new facility provides flexible socialising and learning space comprising a two-storey, steel-framed construction with double-height reception, cafe, bar, restaurant, and full-height glazing maximising the benefits of natural light. The students were regularly consulted as part of the project team and the building reflects the importance they placed on sustainability, which was supported by Stewarts’ Mechanical and Electrical solution delivering low carbon performance on behalf of contractors, Clegg Construction, and architects, Robothams.

Stewarts used their specialist expertise in building service engineering to incorporate a wide range of green technology within the design, including Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV) heat recovery systems, Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and photovoltaic installations comprising more than 100 solar panels. The company also oversaw the installation of a Building Management System and a fully controllable LED lighting solution to enable maximum energy savings.

Stewarts Associates Director, Simon Delicate, said:

“Our work on the Adrian Cadbury building began in 2017 and we remained closely involved throughout the project timeline, regularly attending site to support the completion of construction in accordance with our original design drawings. We were responsible for outlining the brief and designing the electrical and mechanical systems through a design and build procurement route to enable Clegg Construction to price and base a robust final design and installation which satisfied the client’s final requirements.

“The project typifies the combination of attributes which Stewarts seek to deliver through our design solutions, including ease of operation, cost effective running and maintenance and, most importantly, reduced environmental impact. We are proud to be associated with this highly acclaimed building and delighted that our team was involved in a vital design element which was a significant factor in the project winning a major national award.”

Named after Aston University’s Chancellor of 25 years and local chocolatier family member, Sir Adrian Cadbury, the building is home to over 100 student clubs and societies as well as facilities which provide prayer and meeting rooms, and counselling for students on issues relating their health, wellbeing and academic studies. The recreational space includes pool tables, games consoles, giant beanbag and big screens.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Jones .