Kier has started work on the University of Southampton’s new £123m ($159.10m) teaching and learning building in England.
The North East Quadrant is set to transform the Highfield Campus of the university by integrating academic and social spaces to enhance the experiences of students.
Spanning more than five floors, the 15,000m² building will feature a variety of academic facilities such as event teaching spaces, lecture theatres, seminar rooms, and independent study areas.
These spaces are designed to provide an optimal academic environment for the university.
Additionally, the building will house social and well-being amenities such as a café, a nursing room, and changing facilities, creating an interactive hub within the quadrant.
Strategically located at the campus’ edge, the new building is set to form part of a new entrance to the university.
University of Southampton vice-chancellor Mark Smith said: “This space will be a hub of creativity, collaboration and academic excellence, ensuring that the University of Southampton continues to be a sector leader in education.”
The project has been designed to align with the university’s Sustainability Strategic Plan.
A fabric-first approach will be employed to minimise operational carbon upon completion.
The use of energy-saving materials is expected to reduce the building’s operational energy demand by 40%, leading to both cost and carbon savings over the building’s life cycle.
Kier Construction Southern managing director Cheryl Ward said: “Our team has worked closely with the university to bring their vision of a sustainable, state-of-the-art building to life and positively impact the day-to-day lives of those who work and study there.”
Last month, Kier was selected by the University of Salford in the UK to build a new £40.7m health building at the site.
