Two university buildings win prestigious awards
Two University of Huddersfield buildings have received prestigious awards for their innovations in design and sustainability.
The Daphne Steele Building, part of the National Health Innovation Campus, won the Design Excellence award at the Insider Yorkshire Property Awards held at New Dock Hall in Leeds.
And the refurbishment work currently in progress at the Ramsden Building scooped the award for Decarbonisation Project of the Year at the National Project Excellence Awards (NPEA), hosted by the Procure Partnerships Framework at Liverpool’s Titanic Hotel.
Professor Tim Thornton, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the university, said, "The Daphne Steele Building was designed as the gateway building for the University of Huddersfield’s National Health Innovation Campus. The building represents our ambitious agenda superbly in its architectural innovation, outstanding quality, and immediate impact for our students and the wider community.
"The University of Huddersfield is also committed to bringing world-leading innovation to the net zero agenda. The landmark refurbishment of Ramsden Building, which has been an important part of the University’s work for over a century, highlights what is possible in building on a rich heritage of innovation and education, and at the same time achieving demanding carbon goals.
"We thank all our partners for their hard work and commitment to achieving our collective goals on both these exciting and innovative projects."
Daphne Steele Building
Opened in September 2024, the six-storey Daphne Steele Building brings teaching, research, and community-facing healthcare services under one roof. It is named after the pioneering Windrush-era nurse who settled in West Yorkshire after emigrating from Guyana, and who became the first matron from the African-Caribbean community in the NHS.
The building was designed by architects AHR, who collected the award along with members of the university team involved in its development and operation.
“Winning the Design Excellence Award is a fantastic achievement and one we are very proud of,” said Robert Hopkins, Director and project lead from AHR.
“The Daphne Steele Building is a true example of how thoughtful design can transform experiences, from supporting the student journey to improving community access to healthcare. It represents the very best of what can be achieved when architecture, interior design, and cross-sector expertise come together.”
Ramsden Building
The Grade 2 listed Ramsden Building, formerly home to much of the School of Human and Health Sciences prior to the Daphne Steele Building, is undergoing an extensive refurbishment that is underpinned by sustainability.
Air source heat pumps have replaced the previous heating system, while old mechanical and electrical systems will also be brought up to date in line with the University’s drive towards decarbonisation of its estate creating a building that will be Net Zero when in operation.
The NPEA commended the project for having, “…installed a new all electric Air Handling System Plant which embodies the projects Net Zero Carbon Plan resulting in a 25 per cent carbon reduction during operation. This refurbishment of a grade 2 listed building also boasts 21 local supply chain partners within a 30 mile radius from site.”
The Ramsden Building was opened in 1884 as part of the Huddersfield Technical School and Mechanics’ Institute, and when finished the renovations will have revealed features of the building that have been hidden during the many alterations of the previous 140 years.
The university’s Client Project Manager Charles Corbett attended the ceremony along with construction partners Henry Boot Construction.
When the refurbishment is completed, the Ramsden Building will house the International Study Centre, the International Office and the Graduate School.