The Rackhay Bristol
- Client:
- Unite Group PLC
- Location:
- Bristol
- Contact:
- John Franklin 0117 974 3271 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
The Rackhay is a six-storey former office block built in the 1970's located in Bristol city centre. The building was converted in 1998 to provide student accommodation on all upper floors with office accommodation at ground floor level. The building is concrete framed and clad externally in concrete panels with horizontal bands of windows set in curtain walling. The building at the time of Stride Treglown's appointment was unoccupied and in need of refurbishment.
Stride Treglown were appointed initially to complete a feasibility study to assess various options for the building which included demolition and construction of new student accommodation, full/part refurbishment and possible extension to increase residential accommodation to the rear.
Following internal client review of options highlighted in the study, Stride Treglown were commissioned in 2007 to prepare a full design for the substantial refurbishment of the upper floors and ground floor entrance lobby to provide a total of 115 beds.
Internally the existing cluster apartments were to be partially reconfigured in line with the client's current design standard to incorporate modern kitchens and bathrooms. Other work internally included the refurbishment of the lift and modification the shaft to take the lift up to the upper floor (previously the lift stopped on the 5th floor), the relocation of the laundry room, general repairs, upgrade of fire safety including ventilation to the stairwell, new alarms, detection and emergency lighting, the partial replacement of services, complete decoration, upgrade of the external envelope to increase thermal performance and new fittings and furnishings throughout. Externally the project included the replacement of curtain walling with a modern aluminium framed double glazed system, cleaning of external concrete panels, new entrance doors, and signage.
The project was completed late summer 2008.