Arts University Bournemouth Celebrates North Light Studios Renovations
First built in 2000, the iconic buildings operate as print, letter pressing, and fine art studios for students. The studios were originally designed to maximise light from the north – hence its name – by configuring horizontally pivoting glazing for consistent levels of daylight provision and natural ventilation.
Marie Frederick, Head of Estates Capital Services at AUB, explains the scope of the works, “The North Light Studios improvement and maintenance project relates to the five existing modular build structures of prefabricated steel frame construction.
“Over the course of six months, from planning through to completion, we have improved the buildings as a place to study and work, as well as further reducing the University’s carbon footprint.
“We have installed flat panel radiant heater panels which are highly energy efficient, and we have decarbonised the building, it now only runs on electric which comes from a renewable energy source.”
Further improvements to the building included upgraded and new mounted external lighting to provide more security, installation of local extract ventilation to the link spaces and offices between each of the studios, replacement of comfort cooling installations, internal redecoration and repairs, redecoration and cleaning of the metal profiled roof coverings to all studio structures, replacement of guttering works and some window replacement, repairs to the metal roof and specialist replacement to façade steel cladding.
“We also redecorated the exterior of the buildings” Marie continues “and used a colourway scheme to enhance the appearance of the buildings and bring them to life and create a synergy with the nearby Air Source Heat Pump project.”
In May 2024, the University completed the installation of two Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) at the site, a crucial part of the plan to lower fossil fuel use on the campus and provide a clean and efficient heat energy supply. By heating water using renewable energy and air, ASHPs are up to 300% more efficient than a traditional gas heating system and can help to reduce carbon emissions by 12% each year.
The core project team consisted of Gleeds (appointed Building Surveyor, Quantity Surveyor, Project Manager and Principal Designer), Mendrick Waring mechanical and electric engineers, Addleshaw Goddard (Legal) and Deavene Consultancy (Procurement). The construction and improvement works were delivered by Dorset‑based Henleys Response Ltd (Contractors) as well as wider subcontractors.
Russell Henley, Founder of Henleys Response Ltd, commented, “As a local business, we’re proud of the really strong working relationship we’ve developed with AUB over a number of years. When we were awarded this project we were delighted, especially working on such an iconic building. The timeframe was tight but we delivered, and we are absolutely thrilled with the result. We would like to thank AUB staff for being so accommodating during the works and wish them many happy years in the building!”
Dr Richard Waring, BA (Hons) Fine Art Course Leader at AUB, commented, “The renovation and internal redesign of the North Light studios provides excellent workspaces for our students’ learning as we’ve replaced the small warren of cubicles with large bright open spaces that emphasises the high ceilings and long sight lines, this also promotes useful collaborative learning dialogues as all artists and their artwork are much more visibly shared.
“The students – and staff – are already very much enjoying the new spaces, they’re much lighter and most importantly this time of year, warmer!”
