This Design & Build project was for the extension and refurbishment of a Grade II listed academic and research building for the Department of Science for Human Communication.

The building is located on a tight urban site that incorporated difficult access for plant and materials. Extensive underpinning had to be undertaken to the courtyard area as part of the atrium construction, which was formed below the existing ground level. Due to the tight site much of the plant and materials had to be handled manually into position and a mini spider crane was transported through the building in order to erect the atrium steelwork.

Structural challenges included adding steel columns throughout the building to ensure its integrity as the Structural Engineer was unable to prove the existing brickwork to hold the new floor and plant areas. In order to progress the works a full temporary roof was added to the second floor to provide a waterproof membrane that allowed works to be carried out above and below it.

The completed building provides two lecture theatres including full AV systems and under-seat plenum air conditioning, a library with scanning and security systems, offices, communal areas, audiometric testing booths and a Faraday Cage.

An additional floor and plant area was added and all the windows replaced. French polishing was undertaken in one of the original conference rooms and some fibrous plaster repairs. Extensive redecoration also took place.