Modular buildings specialist Wernick have been appointed to deliver a new teaching facility for Swansea University at its prestigious Bay Campus. A two-storey, 60-module building will be built using the latest innovations in offsite and modular design and build. Modules will be manufactured in a quality-controlled factory environment in six weeks, with ground works on campus taking place simultaneously.
Handover is scheduled for November 2019 - an end-to-end build programme of just 22 weeks. The building, procured through Fusion 21's Education and Modular Buildings Framework will accommodate multiple departments and over 1,000 students. It utilises Wernick's latest modular system - Swiftplan®. As well as ensuring building efficiency, the system allows for greater versatility for the addition of architectural features. The University building takes advantage of this versatility with curtain walling providing open, sun-drenched areas and rainscreen cladding will give it a contemporary feel.
Swiftplan's® industry-leading noncombustible wall-panelling system will ensure an extra level of safety, and a hybrid natural ventilation system will provide a comfortable environment for occupants. The comprehensive interior fit-out includes folding partitions to create flexible spaces, lecture suites, PC labs and quiet zones.
The H-shaped structure will sit alongside a range of pioneering buildings on the campus, including the UK's first energy positive office - the Active Office, conceived and designed by SPECIFIC Innovation & Knowledge Centre and delivered by Wernick in 2018. Like the Active Office, manufacture of the new teaching facility will take place at the Wernick Buildings factory in Port Talbot - right across the water from the Bay Campus. While the principal driver of a modular solution is time, the method presents a range of environmental benefits too. For example, up to 90% fewer vehicles arrive on site and less waste for landfill is produced at each stage of the build. Concrete and plaster use is significantly reduced as are CO2 emissions from onsite generators.
Wernick's modular buildings promise 60+ years design life while offering the flexibility to relocate or re-configure the building if required. Flexibility, plus accelerated build-times, make modular buildings a perfect fit for the higher education sector - colleges and universities can respond to an influx of students or refurbishment work elsewhere on campus - all while causing minimal disruption to surrounding areas.
"We are delighted our local University has once again selected Wernick to deliver their new teaching accommodation," said Stuart Wilkie, Managing Director at Wernick Buildings. "Higher education institutions such as Swansea University are leading the way - embracing modern methods of construction and all that modular buildings have to offer."
Ian Macpherson, Associate Director - Estates & Facilities Management at Swansea University added: "We are very pleased to have appointed leading modular building supplier Wernick to deliver this new teaching accommodation at our Bay Campus. The new facility will provide additional teaching and learning environments to accommodate our growing student population, as well as offering flexible space to support a range of nonteaching activities and events to enhance the student experience here at Swansea."
