The University of East Anglia (UEA) in Norwich is a prominent university in the UK and is ranked in the top 1% of higher education institutions in the world.

To enhance this growing reputation and meet increased demand for student accommodation, UEA required a new 231-bed environmentally friendly student residence.

Challenge
The challenge was to meet the university’s high expectations regarding environmental performance. Renewables played a key role in the design, with CO2 emissions kept as low as possible. In addition, Crome Court had to be constructed within a tight, non-negotiable timeframe in order to be ready for a new intake of students.

Solution
Appointed as consultants, SVM BSD produced detailed designs and handled the project management of the mechanical and electrical services. The involvement extended from the planning and construction stages through to commissioning, and drew on our extensive experience and expertise in both BIM and REVIT.

The advanced environmental aspects of the building included triple glazing, solar energy panels, grey water recycling to flush toilets, and a green living wall to complement the landscape of the campus. Around 69% of the energy consumed by Crome Court is expected to be provided by renewable sources. The building will produce 95% less CO2 than a structure of similar size built to comply with normal building regulation standards.

The Outcome
Situated near the Bluebell Road entrance to the campus, Crome Court is now providing UEA with state-of-the-art student living accommodation. It is recognised as one of the UK’s leading examples of a building that it both envionmentally sustainable and architecturally significant.

Awards
CONSTRUCTION COMPUTING AWARDS
Collaboration Project of the Year 2014

RICS AWARDS
Design Through Innovation 2015

GREEN GOWN AWARDS
Built Environment 2015