Rated BREEAM Excellent, the building has been designed by Hawkins/Brown Architects and is the final element of UCLan’s £200m masterplan transformation. Built with a CLT and steel hybrid solution, UCLan Student Centre aligned with a focus on sustainable design and the utilisation of low-carbon materials and technologies throughout the project.
Working alongside main contractor Bowmer + Kirkland, BKS were responsible for the structural frame of the building, including structural steelwork, CLT floor panels, and a stunning central CLT stairway situated in the triple height atrium. Functioning as the social heart of the building, this communal area – where timber is showcased throughout – is designed for informal performances, events and talks.
Impressed by BKS’ collaborative delivery approach, Hawkins/Brown Associate James Thomson commented:
“Hawkins/Brown and BKS, together with structural engineer BDP and timber engineer Engenuiti, developed a strong collaborative working relationship. We were able to coordinate design solutions quickly and effectively. This was aided by using hand drawn sketches and diagrams, 2D and 3D CAD, and remote screen sharing.”
The central focus of the Student Centre is its impressive visual-grade CLT stairway, made up of an upper and lower flight with an atrium link bridge. The stairway is clad with granite treads and features generous-sized, furnished landing spaces, with bleacher seating for collaborative working.
Contributing significantly to programme efficiency, BKS designed an intricate recessed single component CLT balustrade for the stairway. Delivered to site and installed in single, ‘storey-sized’ monolithic pieces that measured up to 12.9m in length, the result is a clean, uninterrupted flow of natural wood that expresses the strength of the CLT both structurally and visually.
BKS developed a collaborative methodology throughout the design and delivery phases, engaging with and supporting all parties in the implementation of a streamlined BIM process, which was further enhanced by Stora Enso during manufacture.
CLT panels were modelled through the BIM platform and sent directly to the CNC machine at the CLT mill, where they were cut to size with millimetre accuracy, producing a bespoke product. This precision engineering ensured accuracy and reduced the need for remedial work or changes on site.
Speed of construction is one of the key benefits of a CLT solution, and the BKS team were on site at UCLan Student Centre for a total of approximately 20 weeks; with only one week required to install the complex CLT central staircase and bridge. Utilising an offsite solution meant that vehicle movements and material storage were reduced, and earlier access for follow on trades was possible when compared with traditional methods - an additional benefit for health and safety on site.
The client was also keen to minimise material use in finishes and linings, meaning attention to detail was key.
As Hawkins/Brown Associate, James Thomson explains: “Early in Stage 5, B&K Structures took Hawkins/Brown and Bowmer & Kirkland to visit Wadham College at the University of Oxford, which has design similarities and uses the same visual quality CLT by Stora Enso. We’re very grateful to BKS for sharing their experiences in this way, it was super helpful to clarify expectations with regards to finishes and final appearances.”
Attention to detail is evident throughout the final building. For example, as the lighting strategy relied on up-lighting the timber, the exposed CLT soffits were coated in a flame retardant white wash, which helps to reflect light down into the workspaces. Meanwhile, the stairs and the bridge in the atrium area have a clear fire retardant coating, which celebrates the natural characteristics of the wood and contributes to biophilic benefits of exposure to natural materials.
Environmental considerations were also key throughout the project, with products specified to minimise environmental impact. The CLT used was PEFC certified Austrian spruce, sourced and manufactured by Stora Enso using environmentally friendly adhesives. A total of 2097 m3 of CLT was used in the construction of UCLan Student Centre, which equates to 1553 tonnes of CO2 being removed from the atmosphere over its lifetime.
The UCLan Student Centre is a true testament to innovative and sustainable design with the use of a hybrid structural system. Here, B&K Structures played a key role in delivering a striking and efficient hybrid CLT and steel solution, complete with precision engineering and seamless collaboration between all key stakeholders.
With sustainability and efficiency at the forefront, this project exemplifies the potential of structural timber construction in shaping the future of educational spaces.