Students outside Ensuite Accommodation Nelson Court on Campus

Projects

We are very proud of our built estate and we continually strive to ensure that every newbuild or renovation project meets the highest sustainability standards.

On this page you can find out more about the Construction projects that have taken place over the last 30 years.

2016 - Hickling & Barton Houses
Student Accommodation
We are developing new residential properties on campus. Hickling House and Barton House were the first two buildings to be built, and received tenants in September 2016.
The tight time frame and budget were achieved through the use of innovative new information-sharing technology (Building Information Modelling, or BIM) and a careful nurturing of relationships with local industrial and policy stakeholders to ensure that every part of the project went as smoothly as possible.
Chief among the project’s achievements are its sustainability credentials, from its wooden frame construction to its careful consideration of water, heat and power conservation. These were embedded in the design from the start.
2016 - Eco Bus Stops
In a bid to encourage more staff and students to take the bus, UEA has been investing in improvements to bus infrastructure. Bus Stop A on University Drive was the first to be redeveloped.
This new eco-friendly bus stop features 100% recycled flooring from glass bottles and tyres, timber sourced from FSC-certified forests, and natural materials such as an ivy screening wall and sedum green roof. All lights are ultra-low energy LED bulbs to further reduce the environmental impact of the bus stop.
To make bus journeys easier, a 65” real time display has been installed to give accurate live arrival times. This screen uses the same amount of energy as a small LED TV.
The bus stop has been in use since the beginning of the 2016/7 academic year, and was officially launched in November. Representatives from Sustainable UEA and First Bus attended, including UEA’s Transport Coordinator, the designer, and the project manager.
UEA are looking to upgrade other facilities on campus with similar designs.
2015 - The Enterprise Centre
- Targeted the challenging and internationally-recognised Passivhaus standard, the world’s leading ‘fabric first’ approach to low energy buildings
- Expected to achieve a 'BREEAM Outstanding' rating, the world’s leading design and assessment method for sustainable buildings
- An exemplar of sustainable procurement, and low embodied energy and carbon construction technologies, through natural and bio-renewable materials sourced through local supply chains.
2014 - Crome Court
Student Accommodation
- Cross-laminated timber superstructure completely replaces concrete in the frame
- Around 21kW of PV; external green wall; greywater recycling system; energy display screens per flat, helping residents understand their energy use and flat performance
- ‘BREEAM Excellent’, a top rank in the world’s foremost environmental assessment method and rating system for buildings
- First building on campus to fully embrace Building Information Modelling, or BIM: one of the first projects in the UK to achieve a fully-integrated, '6D' BIM Level 2 (ahead of government schedule).
2013 - Julian Study Centre
The Julian Study Centre began our exploration of the potential of cross-laminated timber (CLT) for academic and residential buildings, allowing quick construction and a lower carbon footprint.
- TermoDeck heating and cooling system, with hollow concrete floors, still used
- CLT structure reduced the amount of concrete used (saving ‘embodied carbon’) and speeding up construction
- Achieved an air tightness far exceeding current building regulations, meaning that it loses heat much more slowly in the winter
- LED lighting; 22kW of PV roof-mounted PV; received the highest-rated Energy Performance Certificate (A, out of G)
- A building that used less energy in construction, but is also more efficient during use
2009 - Thomas Paine Study Centre
- 360-seat lecture theatre, seminar rooms and offices
- TermoDeck heating/cooling system, with similar performance to Elizabeth Fry and ZICER
- Learnt from other buildings: installed displacement ventilation and more zone controls to improve occupant comfort.
2002 - Zicer Building
with Integrated PV
The ZICER (The Zuckerman Institute for Connective Environmental Research) Building was our first building-integrated photovoltaic (PV) system. The 34kW system demonstrates the potential of building integrated PV.
- Won the ‘Low Energy Building of the Year' award in the Building Magazine's sustainability competition, 2005
- Second low energy building using the TermoDeck system
- Thermal performance improved over the Elizabeth Fry Building
- Over 240,000kWh of zero-carbon electricity generated since opening (the amount required to power the average house for 72 years).
Read the Building Magazine award article (2005)
1995 - The Elizabeth Fry Building
“Best building ever”, Building Services Journal (1998)
After 20 years, the Elizabeth Fry Building still exceeds current building regulations for thermal performance and is one our most energy efficient buildings on campus.
- “Best building ever”, Building Services Journal (1998)
- High thermal mass, highly insulated triple glazing
- Low energy structural ceiling slab system, TermoDeck, provides very consistent conditions throughout the year.

Projects

2016 - Hickling & Barton Houses

Student Accommodation

2016 - Eco Bus Stops

2015 - The Enterprise Centre

2014 - Crome Court

Student Accommodation

2013 - Julian Study Centre

2009 - Thomas Paine Study Centre

2002 - Zicer Building

with Integrated PV

1995 - The Elizabeth Fry Building

“Best building ever”, Building Services Journal (1998)