Originally, we were instructed to design and detail a system of secondary steelwork to enable the brick skin facades to be supported without exerting loads onto the facade precast panels, in order to achieve the aesthetic simplicity Grafton architects sought. This required complex bespoke details and thorough coordination with a variety of supply chain contractors.

Our good relationship with the design team and contractor meant we were subsequently employed to resolve a wide range of uncoordinated items within tight timeframes, so as not to hold up construction. This involved designing frames to support the large scale movable partitions which contribute to the ‘openness’ of the building, to undertaking vibration analysis on the two dramatic steel scissor stairs in the atrium.

Kinston University has won the 2021 Stirling Prize.

Client	Willmott Dixon Construction
Architect	Grafton Architects