The Barn

The Barn is another example of how our teams deliver modern estate upgrades sensitively within a live working environment - taking account at all times the intricacies of working with the teaching staff and students.

As with other university needs, being able to programme work to cause minimum disruption is paramount, and the result is a fantastic new hub for students.

Set at the heart of the Sutton Bonington campus, the Barn is a focal point for students, which provides an elegant new dining hall and common room, along with a graduate centre, faith rooms, student services and a range of popular facilities over three floors. It creates a a modern premises for an increasing campus population by bringing all the student services under one roof.

Professor Sir David Greenaway, Vice-Chancellor of the University said:

“It is essential we incorporate new buildings that fit comfortably in our landscape and reflect the needs of our students. ‘The Barn’ is an outstanding new addition to our Sutton Bonington Campus; it enriches the look and feel of Sutton Bonington, whilst providing our students with a superb facility which they will be able to enjoy for years to come.”

The Barn's purpose is to unite the detached student and staff facilities and create a warm, welcoming environment for its users.

BREEAM Excellent

The Barn achieved 'excellent' status through the use of air-source heat pumps, solar hot water panels and low energy lighting with absence detection throughout. No other company has built more BREEAM excellent facilities for universities than Willmott Dixon, reflecting its focus and skill-set to deliver the very highest sustainable performance for clients.

Space

The dining hall is the most dramatic space within the building and will serve up to 500 campus residents at any one time. The double-height space creates and open, airy environment with lots of natural light and a visual connection with the boulevard at one end.

The concourse functions as a primary circulation space within the building and connects all areas and creates a continuation of the main boulevard through the campus.