Student Accommodation

The University residential sector is expanding rapidly as student numbers and expectation of the quality of the academic experience increase. Brunel University in Uxbridge is expanding its en-suite student accommodation on its West London Central campus by 1,400 with the mid-2008 completion of 17 new five-storey residential buildings.

The £56 million project was a design and build scheme. The primary structure of the buildings is a novel 'hybrid' of precast concrete structures cross-walls and floors, and meteks light steel façade walls and parapets. It is essentially a 'dry' construction technology, which optimises the speed of construction, and early start for follow-on trades, and represents the second major collaboration between Precast Concrete and Metek. The Architect's design consisted of similar shaped buildings each with two wings either side of a central lift and staircase. Each building contains 80 to 100 rooms, all with a toilet-shower 'pod', and have shared kitchen facilities.

The project started on site in November 2006, with piling for the foundations. The Metek steel and precast construction started in April 2007 with projected completion of all 17 blocks by December 2007, four months ahead of contract programme. The structure and façades will be effectively complete within 2007, with a projected hand-over of the 17 buildings in July 2008.

Student Accomadation

Benefits of Metek's light steel framing system

• Rapid construction system.
• Construction periods reduced by up to 30%.
• 'Dry' construction technology.
• Precast concrete and light steel framing provide a rapid dry envelope.
• Tolerances can be accommodated by 'stud and track' system.
• Pre-fabricated lift over-runs in modular form.
• Minimal on-site storage of materials and wastage.
• Increased site productivity.
• Predictability of process.
• Safer construction process.
• Increased quality and reliability.
• Good energy efficiency.