The Requirement

The University of East London, one of the top 10 modern universities for research, had a requirement for three new buildings to meet the continued growth in student numbers.

The Solution

Three contracts totalling £2m were awarded to Foremans – a new nursery at UEL's Docklands campus, a 300-seat lecture theatre and a £1.3m three-storey building for the School of Education at the Stratford campus.

The new 93-module campus building brings a number of facilities together under one roof for the first time. It  incorporates an IT suite, offices, seminar rooms, café, music centre and recording studio, and a range of ‘mock-up' classrooms for the training of education professionals for domestic science, design and technology.

The lecture theatre is now the biggest on the campus.

Designed by architects Arts Lettres Techniques, the nursery features extensive use of natural play materials, an attractive landscaped garden area and is built to the latest specification for acoustics.

Each of the three new buildings is constructed from pre-owned steel-framed modules, which were refurbished and fitted out off-site, and craned into position onto pre-prepared foundations in just a few days.

The recycling of modular buildings is one of the most environmentally friendly methods of construction, but with no compromise on quality. Foremans' approach gave the University all the advantages of modular building – faster programme times, improved quality and less disruption to staff and students during construction – with the additional benefit of greater value for money because the buildings are made from refurbished pre-owned modules.

Comments from the Client

Peter Thompson, Assistant Head of Capital Projects, University of East London:

"Foremans were successful in winning these contracts following a process of competitive tendering. They offered us the best value for each project, met our budget requirements and would guarantee completion on time. We feel each facility looks as good as a brand new building."

"Speed of construction was also a key factor because we need each scheme to be up and running in time for the start of the new school term. We have been impressed with Foremans' capabilities, the professionalism of their team and the fact that there are significant environmental benefits to be gained from the recycling of buildings."