Refurbishment Revitalises UEA Union House

The second phase of the project to refurbish Union House at the University of East Anglia has been completed.

The second phase of the project to refurbish UEA Union House has been completed. The fast track design and build project involved the full refurbishment of approximately two thirds of the 3 storey UEA Union House building, and was delivered in just 19 weeks. Site works overcame the challenges of a multi phased project in a live building with key University events continuing to take place.

This phase, with work carried out by Contractor MJS Projects, has included a complete renovation of central social space, and creates a new gateway into the campus from University Drive.

Refurbished social space at UEA Union House

The first floor has been reworked to provide a range of flexible meeting spaces as well as a graduate centre including a ‘Scholars Bar’, a relaxed seating area and further meeting rooms.  Downstairs, the entrance and welcome areas create a clear route and provide flexible social space.   Materials were chosen to blend in with the palette of materials used historically at UEA.

A totem canopy, a distinctly modern addition to the north elevation, continues a rich history of towers on the UEA campus, the ‘generating principles’ for which were set down by Denys Lasdun who was convinced that the East Anglian landscape needed vertical emphasis.  The canopy acts as a marker and aid way-finding in a similar way to the canopies on the Sainsbury centre.

New entrance, cladding and signage at UEA Union House

UEA Union House Cladding and Signage, UEA Logo

Architect Kirstin Aitken commented that “the new entrance sequence, along with the removal of former visual clutter and reintroduction of natural light, has transformed the central social space of this building.  This space is now a buzzing, light filled, multi-use space which is proving very popular with students.

It’s not often you get to have an impact on a space as well loved and much used as UEA Union House and the LCR.  Attending a gig there with the LSI team not long after completion was a great chance to see students enjoy the revitalised space.”

David Henry, Senior Construction Manager at MJS Projects added “Despite the fast track nature of the project through design and site works, quality was never compromised and the end result is first class. Key to this was the relationship between the contractor MJS Projects, architects LSI Architects and the local supply chain. Particular highlights include the joinery work undertaken by Anglia Shopfitting, in collaboration with Crosskill, on aspects such as the retail area, the grad bar, the mobile reception desk and acoustic panelling.”

Refurbished UEA Union House

Joinery work at UEA Union House