Langford House, St Chad’s College, Durham
Refurbishment of student accommodation at St Chad’s College, Durham University
Highlights
Client: St Chad’s College, Durham University
Location: Langford House, St Chad’s College, Durham University
Brief: To improve the standard of residential accommodation and improve thermal efficiency of an accommodation house at St Chad’s College.
Role: Project lead consultant and Contract Administrator to design, tender and manage works with an appointed contractor.
Outcome: Refurbished high-quality student accommodation delivered within the required time frame and budget.
About St Chad’s College
St Chad’s College, affiliated with Durham University, founded in 1904, has a rich history. Initially established as St Chad’s Hall by the Revd F S Willoughby, with the support of Julia Warde-Aldam and financial backing from Douglas Horsfall, it was created to offer men of limited means the opportunity to study for a university degree while training for the clergy. The college was recognized by Durham University in 1918 and has since become known for its strong academic record and vibrant community. St Chad’s College continues to be an independent, self-governed college, maintaining its tradition of excellence and contributing to the diverse academic environment of Durham University.
St Chad’s College boasts a harmonious blend of historical and modern architecture. The core buildings, dating from the 18th century, are Grade II listed, reflecting their national significance and historical value.
Langford House is located on North Bailey directly behind the Rose Window of Durham Cathedral, A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Challenge
We were approached by St Chad’s to evaluate the condition of its residential accommodation, which is 12 ensuite bedrooms, a shared kitchen over four floors plus a basement, and prepare a plan of improvement works that could be achieved during the summer holiday period. This created a strict time frame challenge as there was no alternative accommodation to provide students should the rooms not be ready for the start of term.
Our Approach
Except for the design of the Mechanical and Electrical installations, Method designed and project managed the whole process. Keeping the team small allowed for an efficient process to complete the research and prepare the documents and drawings that were needed. As Chartered Building Surveyors, we understood the challenges of refurbishing a listed building. The works were competitively tendered, and a formal contract was put in place with an appropriate main contractor.
What we delivered
A comprehensive refurbishment of the whole building internally and externally. The roof coverings were replaced with Welsh slate over a new layer of insulation to improve the thermal performance of the building.
Working with the conservation officer throughout the project, the works needed to be adapted to accommodate unforeseen repairs to the chimneys which were found to be in very poor condition. Original sash windows were refurbished to ensure they are no longer draughty.
The building has been completely rewired, new central heating has been installed, walls have been skimmed and decorated, and new fire doors have been installed to bring the property up to modern compliant standards. As part of the works new furniture has been made to fit the bespoke rooms sizes of this old building making the best use of the space.
The Outcome
The project was completed on time ready for the arrival of the new intake of students in the Autumn Term.
The works we have undertaken to this listed building whilst we had the opportunity will ensure the longevity of it for many years to come. The fabric of the building has been repaired and protected whilst the internal areas have been made compliant and modern, ready for the next generation of students.
The Value to the client
Having a single point of contact from the start of the process to the end to develop a brief and deal with any issues that arose through the project.
We attended site every week throughout the project to ensure all contractor’s queries were dealt with quickly to avoid any delay.
We improved the safety and compliance of the building allowing St Chad’s to offer a higher standard of accommodation for its new students.
We anticipated and managed costs often encountered when refurbishing very old listed buildings.
