Mitton Education Case Studies
Bradford University – A New Estates Facilities Department
The University of Bradford received its Royal Charter in 1966, but its origins date back to the 1860s. Today the University has around 10,000 students. Constant investment in the campus and facilities has meant the university is consistently ranked No1 for graduate employment in Yorkshire and joint 1st place in the North of England.
Working with Shipley-based Stainforth Construction, Mitton is currently involved in the Phoenix NE Building works, involving the total refurbishment of this area of the campus as the new Estates Facilities Department offices and workshops.
The contract is scheduled for completion at the end of November, and calls for the removal of redundant equipment, installation of hot and cold water services, gas services, open plan office ventilation/heating and mechanical ventilation.
Of particular interest in terms of carbon efficiency is the installation of natural ventilation in the form of windcatcher units. These Passivent passive stack ventilation devices are driven by the natural forces of wind and temperature, allowing efficient movement of air from buildings, successfully combining high airflow capacity with low airflow resistance.
Mitton on Display at Leeds University Art Gallery
When Leeds University were looking to improve the provision of fresh air flow for occupant comfort and to provide air conditioning for their Temporary Exhibition, Permanent Exhibition and Education Room, they turned to Mitton to provide a practical solution.
To avoid rapidly fluctuating environmental conditions which could impact on the displays, the objective was to maintain internal temperatures in the room between 21°C, +/- 3°C and internal relative humidity levels at 50%RH, +/- 5%.
The project called for the supply of fresh air ventilation to the gallery via a new supply air duct, involving the removal of existing ductwork in the Gallery, the positioning of two ducts and the repositioning of existing ductwork.
Air handling unit located at high level were supplied, complete with swirl diffusers to introduce air quickly and efficiently to the area.
The Gallery is now maintained at a positive pressure to help sustain cleanliness and environmental conditions by minimising unfiltered external air penetration.
St Wilfrid’s Catholic High School & Sixth Form College, Featherstone
Working with main contractor Headman Construction Ltd of Huddersfield, Mitton has assisted with the refurbishment of a total of six science laboratories and the creation of two preparation rooms located in two different blocks at the school, installing hot and cold water supplies, chemical drainage installations and efficient low pressure hot water heating.
Completed over the summer holiday period this year whilst the school was closed, the project included installation of new chemical waste pipework and new emergency gas isolation systems including an emergency stop button in line with Health & Safety requirements.
Contract Value: £50,000.
Mitton At Work - Harmer Building, Sheffield Hallam University
Part of Sheffield Hallam University’s new ACES complex, the Harmer Building provides modern facilities for research and teaching across disciplines including art, design, computing, science and engineering.
Work carried out during 2008 has posed some of the most complex logistical challenges as the facilities undergo refurbishment, with staff at the University helping to develop detailed plans to ensure business as usual where ever possible. This multi-million pound investment supports greater synergies and cross-disciplinary working, creating new workshops, state-of-the-art laboratories, studios and editing suites shared by art, design, engineering and computing students.
Here, Mitton has played a significant role in developing the facility, replacing two 330kw chillers and associated pumpsets, modifying the existing chilled water pipework controls and installing electrical supplies to the new chillers. We have also modified the existing installation to permit future use of blast air coolers, bringing equipment up to date and creating efficient and cost effective solutions.
The project also called for removal of the existing redundant rooftop chillers, provision and installation of new weather louvers, thermal insulation of services, upgrading of automatic controls and ongoing monitoring via a building management system
Mitton is pleased to confirm that operation of the Harmer Building continued undisturbed throughout the period of the works.
Contract Value: £275,000
Orchard Head Junior, Infant & Nursery School, Pontefract
The construction of two new classrooms at Orchard Head Junior, Infant and Nursery School by Ellmore Construction Group, along with a Children’s Centre and total refurbishment of the existing Nursery, necessitated significant mechanical services input from Mitton.
The work included fitting out the new extension plus alterations to equipment already installed in existing buildings, and covered heating systems, ventilation, new sanitaryware and above ground drainage as well as gas installations.
Work in the existing school buildings was completed during the summer holiday period to minimise disruption. The remainder of the works in the new extension was completed on time and to schedule.
Contract Value: £ 45,000