University of Hertfordshire

Going to university is an excellent opportunity for students to live independently for the first time. Living on campus is also a great way of making lifelong friends – therefore creating the right living and social environment is crucial.

The University of Hertfordshire is one of the region’s largest employers with over 2,700 staff and a turnover of more than £238 million. The community of over 25,300 students reside in accommodation based in Hatfield, consisting of Bellingham, Spalding and Maclean Courts – all based on the College Lane campus. The College Lane campus is currently undergoing an exciting three year development programme designed to transform the living space and surrounding recreational areas.

One of the primary considerations for the project was the requirement to support the development of an exemplary student experience creating ‘more than just a place to live’ by engendering communities through reinforcing the collegiate approach. Creating a fully inclusive living space and learning environment that will significantly enhance student’s lives during their learning experience.

A three phase development project with the first phase being completed in September 2014, which includes 700 new bedrooms, a central hub with security and student services, two new sports pitches and campus gym. A variety of living arrangements to suit a range of budgets are now available for the students, the accommodation ranges from flats to town houses, with a small number of single occupancy studio rooms. The second phase of the development was completed September 2015 and the final phase is scheduled to open on September 2016. Upon completion College Lane campus will provide a total of 2,500 new bedrooms alongside a further 500 refurbished rooms. The student living scheme, designed by Willmore Iles Architects, achieved a ‘True’ Zero Carbon accreditation and BREEAM Outstanding rating by using advanced timber frame technology as the core structural solution.

RCM were appointed to supply their Y-Wall system – a calcium silicate based fibre cement building board which offers excellent A1 Non-Combustible fire properties as well as high levels of dimensional stability.

Being extensively used on timber frame structures, Y-wall provides the ideal solution. Ian Quinton, Managing Director of RCM commented: “We are delighted to be involved in such a high profile development at the University of Hertfordshire, supplying our Y-wall system – a small but significant part of this development.”

At the forefront of industry research and development, RCM constantly strive to innovate and develop their range of building boards and façades. Finding the latest technology is an ethos which lies at the very heart of their business and one which separates them from the competition.