The two-stage design and build project, which was completed in 48 weeks, involved firstly extending and remodelling Harvey building, the University’s old library, to transform the space into a 43,000 ft2 flexible teaching space, with 147 individual rooms, across three floors.

The multi-purpose facility now features a wide range of spaces, including TV, film, photography and sound production studios, editing suites and a 90-seat cinema/lecture space. The innovative facilities include student support services for audio-visual digital learning, and a range of different sized seminar rooms, break out spaces, staff areas and admin rooms.

In addition, an existing unused courtyard was converted into an impressive central Atrium and exhibition space by installing ag glulam framed glazed geodesic roof.

Following the successful completion of the first stage, the project was extended to complete a full refurbishment of both the Harvey and Romero buildings, to provide new teaching space and additional offices. The buildings were given a complete overhaul, with a new main entrance canopy, tea points, toilets, meeting rooms and breakout spaces, and completely redesigned with new flooring, doors, internal finishes, power and data installations.

Throughout the project, acoustics presented a big challenge, due to the high specification needed for the world-class media department. The team collaborated with acoustic specialists Gillierion Scott, to ensure the project met the performance requirements.

Working on a live campus presented an ongoing challenge. With careful planning, collaboration and excellent relationships with the University’s Estates Department, the works were delivered without disruption to the academic departments, or students’ day-to-day activities.

The team worked closely with 12 key stakeholders from across the University to ensure that noise and dust was kept under control. For example, the team started works after 8am to be mindful of the onsite student accommodation, and wrapped scaffolding in monaflex sheeting to mitigate dust escaping. Two separate access routes to the site were installed to minimise daytime disruption.

A student from the University was employed to undertake a 12-week placement, to keep the students informed of progress on the site, via a series of newsletters, blogs and social media.

Working on a live campus presented an ongoing challenge. With careful planning, collaboration and excellent relationships with the University’s Estates Department, the works were delivered without disruption to the academic departments, or students’ day-to-day activities.

Overall, the cost of the entire project came in under the initial budget outlined in the tender process, enabling the University to reallocate these funds to learning facilities such as AV/IT media equipment.

Stuart Deverill, managing director for VolkerFitzpatrick’s building division said: “The team has done a fantastic job to deliver a state-of-the-art facility during these unprecedented times. Throughout the two-phase project, we were worked closely with the university to ensure the project was completed on time, and with minimal disruption to the students. Well done to everyone on the team.”

The University of Roehampton’s Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer, Reggie Blennerhassett said “The refurbished buildings provide state of art technical spaces and offices for our expanding range of creative programmes. With the recent launch of computing and digital media to our existing portfolio, it is important that we have excellent facilities to ensure our graduates are prepared for a range of careers in the creative industries. VolkerFitzpatrick performed well in challenging circumstances to deliver the facilities on time and to the required quality standards”.