Health and Wellbeing Building, UoS

The University of Suffolk wished to bring back into educational use, a building That had been “mothballed” for several years due to ribbon window failures and the presence of asbestos within the building. It was required to provide wheelchair access to all floor levels, which necessitated the addition of a new lift tower and link structure, plus forming a new student dedicated entrance from the external courtyard. The building forms an essential teaching facility to enhance the University’s Health and Wellbeing curriculum, that provides training in partnership with the NHS for nurses, imaging professionals, sports sciences, phycology, and third party “wellbeing” partners (Suffolk Mind, Hospice and Physiotherapists).

The involvement of our in-house interior design team allowed us to deliver the high specification environment that the University required for their innovative curriculum. This was built into our design from the initial concept layout and allowed a fast track programme and materials procurement. This was integrated with the university’s furniture design and delivered a coordinated and complete design ethos.

“KLH Architects were fundamental in bringing the East Building back from imminent demolition. With their careful analysis of the building, and reuse, not rebuild approach, they delivered a cutting-edge new education and training facility that built on our brand and ethos for the University. Although the existing building had no architectural status, the minimal interventions delivered a new landmark for the campus and Ipswich town”