Hiatt Baker Hall Extension

Project goals

The proposed development of these new student residences will provide approximately 327 additional bedrooms across 12 new student blocks as well as a new wardens accommodation block. The development is located within the Hiatt Baker campus at the site of the existing wardens' accommodation; senior tutors' accommodation and car parking areas. The new development will also provide a hierarchy of new public spaces including a main student square around which the cluster blocks will sit and smaller courtyards. A new roadway into the site from Parry's Lane will lead to a transport hub, providing greater opportunities for students to use public transport services.

Background

The University provides guaranteed accommodation for certain categories of its full time student body. The majority of these are first years but also include those participating in the International Foundation Programme and international postgraduate students. As we are seeing a gradual growth in both home and overseas students, the need for more bed spaces in these types of accommodation is becoming crucial to the University's growth. The extension to Hiatt Baker Hall will provide for a high number of bed spaces from the anticipated shortfall for 2014.

Sustainability

The University has set a BREEAM target of 'Excellent' for this scheme for both design and construction. In response to Bristol City Council's set target for provision of renewable energy within the scheme, the following ideas are being considered:

• Maximising natural daylight and ventilation while controlling heat gains and solar glare
• Provision of renewable and carbon energy through photovoltaic or solar thermal panels, air source heat pumps and combined heat and power
• Improving public transport
• High thermal mass and insulation

Organising the buildings

The proposed accommodation has been designed as a number of separate blocks, split between cluster blocks of ten en-suite bedrooms with full disabled access and townhouses of twelve bedrooms with shared bathrooms.  All new accommodation will be self-catered with shared kitchen facilities. Covered cycle parking as well as launderette facilities will be provided in the undercrofts of the cluster blocks.

Site plan

The updated site plan for Hiatt Baker as approved by planning

Latest images on site

Initial ground works have started on site and are progressing well.

Latest images on site

Foundations are being laid for the new accommodation blocks