Improving Student Experience Through Modern Facilities
Improving Student Experience Through Modern Facilities
PROJECT DETAILS
Duration
8-weeks
Location
Bristol, Frenchay
Value
£760,000
Expertise
Principal Contractor
Sector
Education
The University of the West of England (UWE) is one of the UK’s leading modern universities, recognised for its strong emphasis on innovation, student experience, and industry collaboration. Its Frenchay Campus in Bristol is the university’s largest and hosts a diverse student community, offering a wide range of academic facilities and on-site accommodation.
Mendip Court within UWE’s Student Village, is a six-storey accommodation block on Frenchay Campus comprising 68 private bedrooms and communal spaces, and one of many residential blocks providing over 2,000 rooms in a vibrant community setting. With the building in need of renewal, UWE identified Mendip Court as a priority for refurbishment to ensure it continues to provide a comfortable and modern living environment for students.
Client Requirements
While the accommodation block had served its purpose well, key areas, including kitchens, bathrooms, and communal spaces required updating to meet current standards. UWE’s priority was to create modern, functional, and durable facilities to enhance day-to-day life for its students. At the same time, it was essential that the refurbishment was delivered within budget, on schedule for the new academic year, and carried out with minimal disruption to the wider campus.
How we Helped
Drawing on our established relationship with UWE, we approached the project with a clear understanding of the university’s requirements and standards. Our work included the installation of new flooring, completion of bathroom upgrades, and the full replacement of 12 communal kitchens. Four of the refurbished bedrooms are fully accessible, featuring electric rise-and-fall desks and ensuites that comply with current accessibility legislation. In addition, there are four accessible kitchens equipped with electric rise-and-fall worktops to facilitate wheelchair use. Particular focus was given to creating brighter, more practical shared spaces through decoration and new, contemporary light fittings, and ensuring kitchens and communal areas could better support student life.
One of the 12 communal kitchens
To ensure the project remained on schedule, we developed a phased eight-week programme supported by a detailed logistics plan. Close coordination with UWE’s estates team enabled us to manage progress effectively while maintaining quality at every stage. This collaborative approach has ensured that the refurbishment was completed in time for the new academic term, delivering a refreshed and durable accommodation environment for students.
One of the accessible wet rooms created within the block
Project Outcome
The Mendip Court refurbishment delivers a modern, welcoming, and functional living environment for students, enhancing their overall experience while providing long-term value to the university.
PROJECT DETAILS
Duration
8-weeks Weeks
Location
Bristol, Frenchay
The University of the West of England (UWE) is one of the UK’s leading modern universities, recognised for its strong emphasis on innovation, student experience, and industry collaboration. Its Frenchay Campus in Bristol is the university’s largest and hosts a diverse student community, offering a wide range of academic facilities and on-site accommodation.
Mendip Court within UWE’s Student Village, is a six-storey accommodation block on Frenchay Campus comprising 68 private bedrooms and communal spaces, and one of many residential blocks providing over 2,000 rooms in a vibrant community setting. With the building in need of renewal, UWE identified Mendip Court as a priority for refurbishment to ensure it continues to provide a comfortable and modern living environment for students.
What University West of England Mendip Court Wanted
While the accommodation block had served its purpose well, key areas, including kitchens, bathrooms, and communal spaces required updating to meet current standards. UWE’s priority was to create modern, functional, and durable facilities to enhance day-to-day life for its students. At the same time, it was essential that the refurbishment was delivered within budget, on schedule for the new academic year, and carried out with minimal disruption to the wider campus.
How we Helped
Drawing on our established relationship with UWE, we approached the project with a clear understanding of the university’s requirements and standards. Our work included the installation of new flooring, completion of bathroom upgrades, and the full replacement of 12 communal kitchens. Four of the refurbished bedrooms are fully accessible, featuring electric rise-and-fall desks and ensuites that comply with current accessibility legislation. In addition, there are four accessible kitchens equipped with electric rise-and-fall worktops to facilitate wheelchair use. Particular focus was given to creating brighter, more practical shared spaces through decoration and new, contemporary light fittings, and ensuring kitchens and communal areas could better support student life.
One of the 12 communal kitchens
To ensure the project remained on schedule, we developed a phased eight-week programme supported by a detailed logistics plan. Close coordination with UWE’s estates team enabled us to manage progress effectively while maintaining quality at every stage. This collaborative approach has ensured that the refurbishment was completed in time for the new academic term, delivering a refreshed and durable accommodation environment for students.
One of the accessible wet rooms created within the block
Project Outcome
The Mendip Court refurbishment delivers a modern, welcoming, and functional living environment for students, enhancing their overall experience while providing long-term value to the university.
Value
£760,000
Expertise
Principal Contractor
Sector
Education
