Bishop Grosseteste University Accommodation: A Big Project In A Tiny Space

An example of solutions from Advanced Glass offering gleaming results: Bishop Grosseteste University Student Accommodation which won First Place for Halls and Student Accommodation in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023. Despite the glittering outcome, this project did not come without its complications! Join us on a journey that sees creative solutions for tight spaces and even tighter deadlines, and which takes us into a world where collaboration is key.

The BGU project

Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) required seven blocks of new-build accommodation. The blocks varied from three to four stories and required the full package of Technal FY65 windows, Technal STII doors, Technal MX curtain walling, louvres, louvre doors, automatic doors, and barrier-loaded feature panels. All of these are essential for student accommodation due to their acoustic properties, durability, longevity, and advanced safety. The client emphasised the importance of all of these and the architect went above and beyond to deliver this, especially regarding security and acoustic sensitivity. This was especially important due to the size of the site, which would see many students living in a very small area. As such, we also worked closely with the architect to ensure that comfortable and safe disabled access was prioritised.

The Timeline

Similarly to many accommodation projects, the timescale for BGU was subject to sudden alteration. As such, everything from fabrication to installation had to be accelerated.

The experienced team at Advanced Glass is always primed and ready to respond to shifting timescales. Our supply chain is both solid and agile, providing us with everything that we need. Our fabricators are able to scale their operations to demand, and we have extra installers on hand to increase speed. This type of scenario is something that we are very familiar with, so we can adapt our highly efficient programme to (almost!) any timescale. In the case of BGU, we increased the number of fabricators and installers to ensure that the new deadlines were met with ease.

The contracts manager said: “This is one of the biggest and best turnarounds that we have seen on a project!”

The Footprint Challenge

Students enjoy BGU for its compact, cosy space. However, when it comes to construction and installation projects, tiny footprints can raise a sequence of challenges. These stem from not being able to store large quantities of materials on-site. As such, deliveries have to be coordinated precisely with installation times. This can only be achieved with a blend of meticulous planning and excellent communication. The same was true in reverse, with collections of stillages managed like clockwork to maximise space.

Extra Support

When project timelines shift, there can be plenty of add-on demands for all the teams. In this case, one of the pressings and cladding suppliers chose to withdraw. This meant that Advanced Glass was asked to step in very and help very close to the end of the project. This significantly increased our already significant workload, while immediately placing us in an elevated position of responsibility.

With experience comes a wonderful range of benefits, such as excellent networks. In this case, through collaboration, we were able to solve the cladding and pressings problem. Our trusted suppliers sprang into action, while we used our scalable installation approach to increase our on-site labour. However, in addition to the timescale configuration, this meant working with up to 18 installers on-site at a time!

The BGU outcome

The new student accommodation welcomed its new residents in time for the start of the new semester. The results speak for themselves, with the first award arriving in 2023. Efficiency was exceptional on this project, with very few stakeholders being aware of the full intensity of the challenges.

Find out more

If you’ve got a project that needs to seamlessly blend efficiency with high-quality solutions, Advanced Glass are here to help. To learn more, please get in touch today by clicking here.