A 100-bed student accommodation scheme. Ash Grove is in a sustainable location adjacent to the University of Surrey. To sensitively bridge the suburban character of its immediate setting with the scale of the university campus, the design for Ash Grove has carefully considered massing and materials. The buildings, arranged in clusters, vary in height between 2 and 4 storeys and feature a traditional material palette inspired by the neighbourhood’s interwar suburban architecture. A key benefit of this scheme is a nearby existing stream, which forms a natural biodiversity corridor through the site. Not only does this create an attractive environment for residents but also adds much needed habitat for wildlife.

Contractor: SUL Design & Build
JV Partners: Kosy Living & CKC Properties

Full detailed design, traffic management, all off site excavation and provision and installation of a 500kVa substation and 2 x LV supplies. In addition, we completed the connection of a 63mm barrier pipe as a bulk supply from the main to boundary and installation of a 50mm meter to provide the water services for the development.

The main challenge was to ensure that utilities infrastructure was installed and livened up on time to make sure that new students could move in as planned for the new university term.

A point of connection was presented by the network to be in a major road which would have incurred the client significant excavation costs as well as delays to the project timelines given the permits that would have been required. By working with the client we were able to arrange for an alternative point of connection to be established therefore reducing project cost and keeping timelines on track.

Full detailed design, traffic management, all off site excavation and provision and installation of a 500kVa substation and 2 x LV supplies. In addition, we completed the connection of a 63mm barrier pipe as a bulk supply from the main to boundary and installation of a 50mm meter to provide the water services for the development.

Highlight collaboration with other stakeholders or partners.

At short notice we were made aware that the switchgear had manufacturers damage and wasn’t in a position to be energised. In a matter of days we had the manufacturers on-site to review and remedy the damage to preserve the energisation date.

The successful delivery of this project ultimately enabled the client to complete their project on time and welcome students in through the doors to their new accommodation as planned.

Our ability to resolve problems quickly and efficiently is unparalleled. Where others may choose to walk away and as a result cause delays, we get stuck in, utilise our vast experience, overcome the challenges and try to help our clients deliver their project on time.

Our delivery performance on this project ultimately helped us unlock other sites for the same client which we are currently delivering for them as their trusted utilities partner.

To always make sure we are there for the client to align ourselves with and support them but also to educate them to ensure successful, on time delivery of their utilities.