Morrison Design are the appointed architects for a new project to transform the iHub in Derby into a state-of-the-art nuclear skills academy. The project is a collaboration between Rolls-Royce and The University of Derby – remodeling the building to welcome the next generation of apprentice Rolls-Royce engineers.
The 45,000 ft2 building, which opened in 2016, is predominantly office space. The team are working with contractors Seddon Construction Ltd to make the spaces suitable for teaching. The work involves opening up spaces to create rooms suitable for lectures, teaching and study spaces, Mechanical and Electrical work to adapt the power and computer points to suit new space planning and furniture arrangements, and new internal and external signage to re-brand the building.
Cerys Graham, Trainee Architectural Technologist at Morrison Design, said: “It’s a fast turnaround project to get the building ready to welcome students in September. The new nuclear skills academy will utilise the sustainable features of the original building – it’s built to a BREEAM Excellent rating and includes 350m2 of photovoltaic panels, natural ventilation and air source heat pumps.”
The Morrison Design team are working with Faithful+Gould (Project Management), CPW (M&E Design) and Rodgers Leask (Structural Engineers).