Leeds City College, facing an unprecedented surge in applicants due to the government's emphasis on STEM subjects and limited further education places, required a cutting-edge facility to meet the growing demands of the education sector.
The task was to transform the original and listed Printworks site into a state-of-the-art engineering campus.
With growing environmental concerns and the urgency to address climate change, educational institutions hold a unique position of responsibility. It was important to implement measures that were going to embrace sustainability.
The Facility
Premier Modular, alongside a network of esteemed consultants including DB3 Architects, CCS Consulting Ltd, and JLL Planning, took on the task of transforming the original and listed Printworks site into an innovative educational space.
The facility was needed to keep up with growing developments in technology. The plan came to be a 1,150m2, three-storey campus which included a classroom block along with other teaching facilities and break out areas in corridors where students can work. The building also housed main amenities such as toilets and offices.
The presence of an underground car park at the college, serving as a crucial amenity for students and staff, posed a unique challenge when coupled with the site's flood risk from the nearby River Aire. Addressing this complexity required an innovative and well-coordinated solution. The visionary design for the Printworks building incorporated podiums that the building would sit on.
Challenges Faced
Given the listed status of the Printworks building, preserving its Grade II status was paramount, and the design had to harmonise seamlessly with its historical surroundings.
Solutions
Working closely with the college and adhering to planning guidelines, Premier Modular ensured the preservation of the listed building status. To retain the iconic appeal of the original Printworks, corten steel sheet cladding with a tarnished look was used, creating a rustic aesthetic that complemented the modern building. The entrance featured an aluminium curtain walling system, enhancing both internal and external aesthetics. The innovative decision to use corten cladding was encouraged by the client, resulting in a striking and unique building.
Given the constrained site, offsite construction proved to be the ideal solution, allowing the college and parts of the car park to remain operational throughout the build. Modular construction is more eco-friendly than traditional on-site construction methods because of the faster completion and minimised waste due to the efficiency that comes with working in a controlled factory setting.
A Sustainable Approach
It was decided that photovoltaic (PV) panels would be installed onto the roof of the facility. These panels use the sun to generate renewable energy. This fully aligned with the client’s sustainability goals, and would also follow long-term cost savings due to the nature of utilising the sun for power instead of buying from a supplier.
To ensure sustainable heating and energy consumption, air source heat pumps were strategically installed in the building. These innovative heat pumps effectively heat both the facility and the water inside the building, making the entire structure fully electric. This allows educational facilities to greatly decrease their carbon emissions.
The college's commitment to sustainability extends to supporting electric mobility on campus. As part of this initiative, the underground car park below the facility was future-proofed with six electric vehicle (EV) charging points. Additionally, all the necessary ductwork was installed during the construction process, enabling the seamless addition of more EV charging points in the future without the need for disruptive excavations.
By providing convenient and accessible EV charging infrastructure, the college encourages environmentally friendly transportation choices among students, staff, and visitors.
As the popularity of electric vehicles continues to grow, Leeds City College's foresight ensures that it can adapt to evolving mobility needs without compromising its sustainability goals.
As the world increasingly emphasises sustainable practices, Leeds City College sets a commendable example for educational institutions nationwide. You can find see more details about this sustainable modular building here.