Sheffield City College

“This is the most sustainable large building that has come before Sheffield planners... It is the greenest major development the city has seen so far and it will be an important landmark.”

Les Sturch, Head of Planning, Sheffield City Council

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Client

Sheffield College, City Campus

Project

College site design and build

Value

£47m / €53.6m

Rate valid as of 20.04.2010

CGI sketch of Sheffield City College Atrium Sparks Restaurant and Bar Student Refectory Kitchen and Student Break Out Area

Requirement:

The second of Sheffield College's campuses, our client wants a landmark building on their City site. Visible from the city centre, it's important the college's appearance underlines its attitude and aspirations - that's why sustainability was a priority feature.  

Our solution:

  • A single building consolidates what is currently spread over several separate buildings.
  • Perched on a steep hillside, we're working with an unusual topography and building up instead of out, which also helps us achieve greater visibility from the city.
  • Green features abound - we wanted the college to set a great example with the kind of building the country will need plenty more of if we are to tackle climate change.
  • A rooftop trio of turbines generate plenty of energy for the college.
  • A ‘balancing pond' collects rain water and allows for its slow dissemination and absorption, so that drainage on this steep hill is not under pressure.
  • Sedum roofs absorb pollutants, provide a great habitat for insects, reduce run off and direct heat on the building, so the temperature is controlled naturally.
  • Wildflower meadows border the college and soften the edges of the harder landscaping required to make the site safe and accessible to all.
"We are very excited by this forward-thinking building. We are enabling Sheffield to be a leader of environmental regeneration in South Yorkshire."
John Taylor, chief executive, The Sheffield College.