Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) celebrated the launch of its renovated North Light Studios last week following a £1.2 million investment by the university.
First built in 2000, the buildings operate as print, letter pressing, and fine art studios for students. They were originally designed to maximise natural ventilation and sunlight from the north – hence the name – with horizontally pivoting glazing.
Marie Frederick, head of estates capital services at AUB, said: "The North Light Studios improvement and maintenance project relates to the five existing modular build structures of prefabricated steel frame construction. Over the course of six months, from planning through to completion, we've improved the buildings as a place to study and work, as well as further reducing the university's carbon footprint. We've installed flat panel radiant heater panels which are highly energy efficient. And we've decarbonised the building – it now only runs on electric which comes from a renewable energy source."
Other improvements include new and upgraded external lighting, local extract ventilation to the link spaces and offices between each of the studios and the replacement of comfort cooling installations. The interior and metal roof have also been repaired and redecorated, with guttering, windows and steel cladding replaced.
"We also redecorated the exterior of the buildings and used a colourway scheme to enhance the appearance of the buildings and create a synergy with the nearby air source heat pump project," Marie added.
That project saw two pumps installed on site this May to provide a clean and efficient heat energy supply. The core project team for North Light Studios comprised Gleeds (project manager), Mendrick Waring (mechanical and electric engineering), Addleshaw Goddard (legal) and Deavene Consultancy (procurement). The construction and improvement works were delivered by Ferndown-based Henley's Response and subcontractors.
Russell Henley, founder of Henley's Response, said: "As a local business, we're proud of the really strong working relationship we've developed with AUB over a number of years. When we were awarded this project, we were delighted – especially working on such an iconic building. The timeframe was tight, but we delivered, and we're absolutely thrilled with the result. We'd like to thank AUB staff for being so accommodating during the works and wish them many happy years in the building!"
Dr Richard Waring, who leads the BA Fine Art course at AUB, added: "The renovation and internal redesign of the North Light studios provides excellent workspaces for our students' learning. We've replaced the small warren of cubicles with large bright open spaces that emphasises the high ceilings and long sight lines. This also promotes useful collaborative learning dialogues as all artists and their artwork are much more visibly shared. The students and staff are already very much enjoying the new spaces. They're much lighter, and most importantly this time of year, warmer!"
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