design solutions


Graduating with distinction


A 19th century Weslyan chapel has been converted to a splendid graduation and events centre for Nottingham Trent University


to ensure the ceiling was not only aesthetically pleasing, but also provided adequate openable areas for sufficient air movements. Three solid timber front doors, which


are kept open during graduation ceremonies, were installed, and a floor to ceiling glass partition was provided to the back of the hall to separate the space from the entrance lobby and to maintain an uninterrupted view to the Arkwright building across the road. A new foyer was also created and the


chapel has been opened up with the replacement of solid screens with glass. A glass vestibule was added the rear, which will act as a lobby for the graduation ceremonies and is ready to serve the second phase of the project. The project was delivered using BIM


A


RCHITECT YMD Boon, construction consultancy Gleeds, and structural engineer Howard Ward Associates


recently collaborated with the Nottingham Trent University (NTU) construction services team to transform a former synagogue (and before that a Wesleyan chapel), into a new graduation hall, breathing new life into a Grade II listed building once damaged during the war. Originally constructed in 1854 to


designs by Thomas Stimpson, before a large rear extension was added in 1976, the building was bought by NTU in 2016. Located on Shakespeare Street in Nottingham city centre, the project represents the first phase of the university’s vision for the site, providing a prestigious venue for graduation ceremonies as well as a performance venue throughout the year. The conversion of the building, which


has now been named University Hall, required YMD Boon to work closely with the planning officer and conservation officer to ensure essential services and restoration had minimum impact but achieved a high-quality result. The historic features were restored with respect and modern features carefully integrated to ensure it works perfectly for its prime use as a graduation hall. Due to the nature of the building


(grade II listed), several challenging items were discovered during the construction phase which were resolved promptly by


20 highereducationestates


the team. The design and proposed conversion had to be sympathetic to the original structure; for example, all features including the pews needed to be retained, refurbished or have replicas specially made Thorough research into the origins of


the building was done to ensure no detail was missed in restoring a tired example of Nottingham’s important religious heritage. Careful conservation and restoration was recognised throughout, resulting in bespoke components being made to complete the painstaking birth of a unique asset to NTU. Discreet integration of modern services


and equipment plus painstaking restoration have preserved the appeal of the building, retained the charm of the building’s heritage and is sure to inspire graduates passing through for many years. IT installations needed to be


concealed; therefore, YMD Boon worked collaboratively with the structural and M&E engineers to utilise existing voids within the roof and under the floor for piping, heating and cooling. Using the 3D model, spaces were checked and coordinated to ensure sufficient room was available prior to installation. Existing roof voids were also used to


house intake and extract ducts. Working closely with the conservation officer, it was agreed that the existing ceiling panels could be replaced by perforated metal sheets. The pattern was carefully selected


(Building Information Modelling) and a point cloud survey of the existing building was provided at initial stages, which has since been converted into a Revit file. YMD Boon ensured all details were modelled carefully using the 3D software so the proposal could be presented to the Planning Authority and the conservation officer in order to obtain a speedy response. It was also used for coordination and clash detection between different packages. The scheme has achieved BREEAM


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37