Offsite construction contractor, Premier Modular, has successfully installed a new, purpose-built facility for the University of Exeter to support student wellbeing needs.
Installation of the building, which will be situated on the University’s Streatham campus, took 2.5 days and was part of the fast-track, six-month programme to deliver the full turnkey solution ahead of the new academic year in September.
Work on the project began this summer with Premier Modular set to oversee the design work, planning, groundwork, installation, cladding, fit out, landscaping, testing and commissioning implemented throughout.
Poor mental wellbeing is a significant issue among UK students, with more than a quarter of higher education attendees reporting a deterioration in their mental health after starting university.
Complete with several confidential areas for face-to-face wellbeing appointment, group rooms, a reception area and office space, the new modular building will broaden the University’s wellbeing service on campus.
Designs for the building’s exterior include landscaped gardens and attractive, natural cladding to reinforce it as a welcoming, restorative environment where students can be supported throughout their studies.
Mark Sawyer, Head of Wellbeing and Welfare at The University of Exeter said:
“The University’s Wellbeing team provide a range of internal and external support and advice services for students. The new building will provide an additional safe and welcoming space for those that need it. The new space will also allow for more face-to-face appointments within a range of quiet and sound proofed private meeting rooms within a relaxed environment.
“The University is committed to supporting our students and prioritising the health and wellbeing of our community.”
As a leading provider of offsite construction, Premier Modular will ensure The University of Exeter project is delivered up to 50 percent faster than if traditional building practices were used.
The appointment of Premier Modular, a company which uses low and zero carbon technologies to construct modular buildings, will equally help the university to reduce emissions and achieve its target to be net zero by 2030.
The building’s sustainable performance and place in the top 10 percent of non-domestic buildings in the UK is expected to earn it a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating.
Modern methods of construction, such as modular building, are helping to control the industry’s significant carbon footprint which is responsible for a quarter of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Reducing construction’s impact on the environment and local communities is a central principle of Premier Modular and drives its ambition to spearhead sustainable practices in the industry.
Dan Allison, divisional director at Premier Modular said:
“We’re proud to have successfully installed the new wellbeing facility for The University of Exeter and look forward to finalising the building in line with Premier’s and the university’s green ambitions. At Premier Modular, our sustainable operations are not only fundamental to our own net zero objectives, but important for our customers and the communities in which we work.
“Our modular building systems are precision manufactured with much greater accuracy and tolerance than in-situ construction methods. This minimises air permeability for enhanced thermal efficiency, reduces heat loss, carbon emissions and running costs. In opting to deliver the new facility through MMC, the University is demonstrating its commitment to achieving its net zero targets.”
The new facility will be installed at the top of Mardon Hill in close proximity to the University’s existing wellbeing services.
For more information about sustainable modular buildings, whether they’re temporary or permanent, visit Premier Modular.
For the latest updates on the Wellbeing project, visit: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/about/vision/capitalstrategy/featuredprojects/wellbeing-project/
