St Marys University

Showcasing substantial developments at St Mary’s University in Twickenham – setting the stage for accommodating the next generation of students.

St Mary’s has a rich heritage, dating back to its establishment as a college in 1850. Over the years, it has evolved, adapted, and grown into a beacon of education and community.

Supporting the estates Minor Works programme and Capital Projects, Sanper has been working closely with the Internal Project and Estates teams on a variety of Facilities and Estates solutions.

“These projects are always challenging due to us having to complete out of term time. This project was completed on time and within budget,”

Project brief

Completed in September 2024, additional refurbishment and fit-out to a number of student accommodations on site offered a fresh start for academics returning and joining with the new term.

Our works have involved:

Demolition and Site Clearance
Structural repairs to joists
Flooring throughout
All new cylinder heating/HIVE system
Timber Treatment
15 x student dorms and communal areas
Plastering and skim
Interior decoration and painting
Full secondary glazing
Wall, Ceiling and Floor Finishes
Painting & Decorating
Mechanical and Electrical Services
Fire door installation
New and modernised kitchen facilities

Project solutions

This prestigious project aimed to preserve the room’s historical essence while enhancing its functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Project Goals

Enhance: Modern, comfortable, and energy-efficient accommodation across 15 dorms and communal areas to support student wellbeing.

Preserve: Undertake structural repairs and timber treatment to extend the building’s lifecycle while maintaining architectural integrity.

Integrate: Install HIVE heating controls and secondary glazing to improve energy efficiency and reduce long-term operational costs.

Challenges

Structural Remediation: Addressing underlying issues with joists and timber required careful sequencing to avoid compromising the building’s stability.

Environment Constraints: Coordinating works within an active campus setting
demanded minimal disruption to university operations and student routines.

Legacy: Upgrading mechanical and electrical services while interfacing with older infrastructure posed compatibility and safety challenges.

Solutions

Phased Delivery: Implemented a phased programme with clear milestones, enabling safe demolition, structural works, and service upgrades without delays.

Collaborative Stakeholder Engagement: Maintained close communication with
university representatives to align works with academic schedules and student needs.

Smart System Installation and Testing: Deployed HIVE heating and modern kitchen facilities, ensuring performance, safety, and user satisfaction.

Project outcome

Outcome

The project delivered a modern, energy-efficient living space across 15
student dorms and communal areas. Smart heating, secondary glazing, and
upgraded M&E systems enhanced comfort and sustainability. Structural and
aesthetic improvements were completed with minimal disruption, earning
strong praise from university stakeholders.

Future Plans

Following the success of this scheme, future phases will target additional
blocks with smart upgrades and sustainable design. Ongoing collaboration
with St Mary’s University will ensure future works align with student needs
and long-term estate goals.

Project Gallery

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