RC109 NovDec 2023 - Magazine - Page 13
NEWCASTLE, U.K.
U.S.: TOM ARBAN, U.K.: KRISTEN MCCLUSKIE PHOTOGRAPHY
STEPHENSON BUILDING
RENEWCANADA.NET
THE STEPHENSON BUILDING at Newcastle University brings multiple engineering disciplines together under one roof in the form of a world class
hub for engineering excellence and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Located in Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K., the redeveloped building spans
200,000 sq. ft. It features specialist research and collaborative learning
spaces, multi-purpose labs, machine workshops and a student-run maker
space.
The building was carefully crafted to be flexible and adaptable for
future teaching and research requirements.
“The redevelopment was designed from the ‘inside out’ to transform
a dated and inefficient cellular building into an open and welcoming
destination that encourages interaction and collaboration,” said Mal
Lorimer, senior architect at NORR. “It offers a breadth of research and
learning environments in open and accessible spaces connected by an
impressive, three-storey, light-filled atrium.”
Traditional lecture theatres were replaced by two 180-person
collaborative teaching spaces, organized around groups of six—one of
which is a circular space that evokes a giant cog or jet engine.
“Following the UN Sustainability goals, NORR worked with Newcastle
University to develop a bespoke sustainability assessment,” said Robin
Stewart, principal at NORR. “Adapting and reusing this important city
centre site was critical to ensure a reduction in embodied carbon, as well
as achieving net-zero carbon (NZC) in use.”
“We improved the thermal envelope and air tightness, incorporated
Glulam and CLT timber upper structure along with a CHP (combined
heat and power) plant and photovoltaic panels to make this a highly
sustainable redevelopment,” he added. The solution worked to
decarbonize five additional existing adjacent buildings on campus,
resulting in net zero impact supporting Newcastle University’s NZC 2030
ambitions.
Technology was integral to the design and construction of this highly
MEP serviced building. From the outset, NORR’s multi-disciplinary team
used a wide variety of tools ranging from BIM (Building Information
Modeling) and energy-modeling to using Common Data Environments
(CDE) for project management, quality assurance and design
collaboration. NORR was the lead on clash-detection and resolution.
Originally built in the 1950s, the redevelopment design captures the
70-year heritage while creating a new landmark gateway building for the
campus and the city. Phase 1 comprised a highly contemporary extension
that was completed in August 2023; Phase 2 will unify the new extension
with the remodelled and reclad original frontage.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 – RENEW CANADA 13
