The refurbishment, redevelopment, and new-build extensions of three Manchester student properties provide a glimpse of new generation accommodation for 2030 and beyond.
The projects, totalling more than £64M investment, are utilising the latest construction techniques and technologies to provide some of the safest, most energy efficient and comfortable rooms in the UK’s student accommodation estate.
The three sites are situated within a stone’s throw of each other just off Oxford Road in the heart of the biggest student campus in Europe, perfectly situated to service both Manchester Metropolitan and the University of Manchester. In total there are 1765 bedrooms across the 3 sites.
The scale of the redevelopment is impressive! Each self-catering flat contains between three and six study bedrooms, with a kitchen and open plan lounge/dining area shared between occupants. All rooms have en-suite toilet and shower facilities.
Brand-new communal areas, including games and social spaces with seating and TV, pool, table tennis and table football gives students recreational and relaxing zones. While a cinema room, gym, fitness studio, video games area and a karaoke facility provide an abundance of entertainment. Study areas for both individuals and groups are plentiful. And to enjoy the sunny Manchester climate (!) there is an outdoor courtyard where students can soak up the rays.
2030 is the focus of energy targets for these buildings.
The initiatives employed here will help achieve net zero by this date,
with a 28% reduction in operational energy consumption against
a baseline set in 2019.
At the first site the removal and installation of upgraded exterior cladding for enhanced fire safety has changed the appearance of this building beyond recognition and ensures all new fire regulations are met, in line with the latest government guidance.
Environmental considerations have been satisfied with the installation of air source heat pumps (ASHP) for water heating, and triple glazed windows throughout to enhance insulation thus helping the buildings energy efficiency.
The second refurbishment focuses on improving the buildings Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Again, air source heat pumps are being employed and improvements to the solar panel system are among many environmental enhancements to boost the buildings performance.
The third site has a new-build extension that will accommodate a further 92 bedrooms. The rest of the building has undergone refurbishment with new technology installed to reduce water wastage and boost energy efficiency. Trials show that water use could be reduced by up to 50%!
“We are very proud to be at the forefront of critical energy management in this sector, and to be providing the product that enables such ambitious targets to be met.”
The electric heating throughout these developments is controlled by the Prefect Irus energy management system. This will ensure that energy is used only when necessary. It reduces heat input if windows are open, or rooms are empty, therefore enhancing the sustainability credentials of the buildings. This smart system currently controls more than 40,000 student rooms across the UK. Energy managers can remotely monitor the energy use and environmental conditions of every room, individually, from any internet connected device.
2030 is the focus of energy targets for these buildings. The initiatives employed here will help achieve net zero by this date, with a 28% reduction in operational energy consumption against a baseline set in 2019. Furthermore, a commitment by the operators to source 100% renewable electricity, reduce embodied carbon by 48%, and the use of certified carbon offset of any residual or development emissions, form the basis of the target’s strategy.
Will Mills, Senior Project Manager at Prefect Controls said, “We are very proud to be at the forefront of critical energy management in this sector, and to be providing the product that enables such ambitious targets to be met. Based on our data, the savings made over the latter half of this decade, leading up to 2030, will go straight on the bottom line.”
