A sustainable retrofit designed around staff and students

Re-using an existing building to save time, money and embodied carbon

The University of Southampton has a large portfolio of buildings across several campuses and the Business School was keen to secure a purpose-built space that would meet the requirements of its staff and students. The former Lloyd’s Register Global Technology Centre, on the Boldrewood Innovation Campus, was in the ideal location, but not the ideal configuration.

How could the Lloyd’s building be retrofitted successfully? Arup has advised the university on several other projects on the campus and worked on the MEP services for the original building. When the university approached us for advice, we even had the original plans in our archives, saving time for everyone.

Originally designed by Grimshaw Architects, the six-storey building was recognised in RIBA’s (The Royal Institution of British Architects) regional awards in 2016. It was ahead of its time – all-electric, with very low energy consumption. But to repurpose it for its new role a decade after its construction, we needed to audit and update elements of the services and re-configure the internal layout. 

Creating a modern, flexible layout

To understand exactly what the university wanted to achieve, we collaborated closely with architects Miltiadou Cook Mitzman and the university’s project management unit, involving stakeholders from all the departments within the Business School. 

When the Business School’s needs evolved during the project, we adapted the initial designs for the layout – adding partitions to create the individual offices and pods for quiet working, while retaining larger spaces for group learning. Our team took these changes in their stride, working with the architect to ensure the space would suit staff and students alike.

Responding to multiple challenges 

It was important to ensure that the services would function efficiently with the new layout. We undertook validation checks of the existing building services to identify which elements could be retained, and what would need to be replaced, upgraded or reinforced. 

As well as keeping costs on track, conserving as much of the original systems as possible helped to minimise material use and keep carbon emissions on the project down. Where IT and audio-visual equipment left behind by Lloyd’s Register couldn’t be re-used, items were refurbished and donated to local schools.

Throughout the 9,163m² internal space, our engineers reviewed and upgraded the electrics – particularly the lighting. Our experts also re-designed the mixed-mode ventilation system to match the new layout, factoring in expected occupancy levels. 

We carried out checks to ensure that the works wouldn’t damage the structural integrity of the building. And our specialist fire engineers developed a new fire safety strategy to suit the revised layout.

Delivering on time and under budget

The new Business School gives staff and students a modern, sustainable building designed around their needs – all realised through refurbishment, rather than a major new construction project. 

Although the original timeline was challenging – we were able to complete the works in line with the university’s timeframes, and the project came in within budget.

The current mixture of offices, quiet working areas, teaching and learning spaces can be easily adapted if the university’s plans change. The upgraded café and catering facilities will be used for events and open days, where they will make a striking first impression on potential students.