Renovation of the University of Bedfordshire - Luton Campus

In the United Kingdom, fire safety regulations for existing buildings have been significantly tightened following the fire in a high-rise residential building. As a result of these new regulations, many existing residential buildings will have to be completely renovated over the next few years.

Improvement and fire safety

Sorba UK Limited was commissioned to assess both the materials and construction quality of three towers on the University of Bedfordshire campus in Luton. The external facades of the three main towers were extensively assessed to determine how fire safety could be significantly improved.

New methods for renovation of the University of Bedfordshire

Working closely with the architect, Sorba developed a method for this project to remove the existing combustible façade and fully refurbish it, while keeping the buildings fully occupied, i.e. inhabited.

This meant that the existing façade structure had to be demolished, except for the steel frame of SFS, and a completely new façade had to be erected from the inside. This façade consists of new interior panels, membranes, insulation and cavity wall barriers, covered with non-combustible Rockwool cladding. All this is in full compliance with the new fire safety guidelines and requirements.

For a good finish

Over the past few months, a great deal of work has gone into fully equipping the residential towers with the new facades. And these new facades have brought the towers up to 21st century standards.

Working to the new British safety standards and renovating with fire safety in mind is a major issue in the UK, but its importance is increasingly being recognised outside the UK as well. The renovation of the University of Bedfordshire  has proven to be a reference project for Sorba. All the experience and knowledge we have gained in recent years gives us confidence for future renovation projects.

Contractor:
Kier Eastern

Client:
University of Bedfordshire

Category:
Refurbishment