Staffordshire University Hub Stoke-on-Trent, UK

Client

Staffordshire University

Sector

Education

Sustainability

Targeted Net Zero Carbon

Staffordshire University Hub is part of a wider masterplan for Staffordshire University Student Village (SUSV), it creates an exciting central meeting place for the new student community, that blends contemporary sustainable architecture with nature in a unique natural setting.

Staffordshire University Hub is located to align directly with the Catalyst building with a clear visual connection between the two. The boardwalk and bridge are located on this axis which will act as a central ‘spine’ connecting the north and south sides and linking current and future buildings and spaces to the east and the west.

The 24/7 Village Heart

The Hub acts as the focus for the SUSV providing welcoming flexible accommodation to work, rest and play. Planned over four levels the building steps in section to follow the site topography. There are entry points at each level and universal access to every part of the site is facilitated by the lifts and stairs provided in the building.

Sense of Arrival

The Hub and associated square are the first arrival point when entering the Village from the campus. The building has been positioned with a clear visual link to the Catalyst building and physical connection is provided via the new bridge and boardwalk across the River Trent and valley wetlands.

Sustainable Structure

The Hub outwardly expresses its sustainability credentials. An efficient timber structure of glue-lam beams and columns supports cross laminated timber floors. The use of concrete is minimised to the stepping ground floor and retaining walls. The building is wrapped in a high performance pre-fabricated glazed facade that incorporates a sophisticated copper interlayer that reflects unwanted sunlight.

The proposed Staffordshire University Student Village is an exciting opportunity to create a vibrant student community offering new ways of living and studying on campus by blending contemporary sustainable architecture with high quality facilities.

Professor Martin Jones

Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive at Staffordshire University

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This development has the potential to revitalise our campus not only by providing an excellent environment for our students, in a unique natural setting, but also by creating a new green heart to the Leek Road site.

Sally McGill

Chief Financial Officer and Executive Lead for Sustainability at Staffordshire University

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The aspiration is to achieve Net Zero Carbon in Operation (NZCiO) across the proposed development site.

In partnership with Ramboll, the energy assessment demonstrates a comprehensive approach to reducing carbon emissions using the following energy reduction hierarchy;