Leading contractor GRAHAM has been appointed by the University of Bath to advance plans for a major new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme, with sustainability and low-carbon heat at the core of the development
The scheme will deliver 960 student bedrooms at the university’s Claverton Down campus, alongside communal and wellbeing-focused amenities including shared kitchens, study areas, and flexible social spaces.
Procured via the Southern Construction Framework, the project will see GRAHAM enter a two-stage Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA), supporting design development ahead of main works.
Low-carbon design and Passivhaus ambition
A key focus of the project is operational energy performance, with the buildings targeting Passivhaus-level standards. The design will adopt a fabric-first approach, prioritising high-performance insulation and airtightness to minimise heat loss.
At its core are five key principles:
- Super-insulated envelope
- Airtight construction
- Thermal bridge-free detailing
- High-performance glazing
- Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR)
By combining these measures, Passivhaus buildings can achieve space heating demands of around 15 kWh/m² per year—up to 70–90% lower than conventional buildings.
Heat pumps
This will be complemented by the integration of air source heat pumps, which will provide low-carbon heating and hot water by extracting ambient heat from the outside air.
Operating at lower flow temperatures than traditional gas systems, heat pumps are particularly well-suited to fabric-first buildings, where consistent internal temperatures can be maintained with less energy input.
Together, these measures support the University’s wider net zero ambitions and are expected to deliver:
- Lower operational carbon emissions
- Enhanced indoor air quality
- Stable internal temperatures with reduced energy use
Rod McMullan, contracts director at GRAHAM, said: “Securing this appointment with the University of Bath marks an important step in progressing a high-quality student accommodation scheme that responds to the growing demand for on-campus living.
“We look forward to working closely with the University and wider project team to shape a design that prioritises sustainability, operational efficiency and, importantly, the overall student experience. This collaborative approach will be key to ensuring the development is well-positioned for successful delivery.”
The post GRAHAM to deliver low-carbon student accommodation at University of Bath appeared first on Planning, Building & Construction Today.
