University of Greenwich

About the Client

Famous for their historical learning environments, the University of Greenwich offers state-of-the-art education across their campuses in the old Royal Navy College, Avery Hill and Medway.

The Brief

Offsite specialists collaborated to transform a former naval hospital in a UNESCO World Heritage Site into the Dreadnought Building at the University of Greenwich.

The project required the refurbishment of the existing building, together with a new PEFC full chain of custody infill structure to the courtyard comprising visible grade cross laminated timber floor panels to the first and second mezzanine floor levels. At roof level, the design specified a combination of white wood spruce glulam beams and insulated timber roof cassettes.

B&K Structures were part of the team that sensitively restored the Grade II listed building by stripping it back and modernising it, ready for its role at the heart of the University. The Dreadnought building retains its character and sense of history while also providing a state-of-the-art hub, creating learning and gym facilities and a 500-person capacity bar, together with teaching and social spaces.

The Solution

Using offsite construction methods reduced the need to work at height, improving onsite health and safety, as the majority of the manufacture was carried out in well-managed factory conditions under OHSAS 18001 – a British Standard for occupational health and safety management. Offsite construction also eliminated weather delays, enabled simultaneous processes and minimised onsite
disruption.