RHWL

RHWL Architects designed the 9,300 sq m (100,000 sq ft), 202-bedroom eco-hotel to meet the University of Nottingham's requirements for a mid-market hotel whilst meeting tight operational, commercial and sustainable targets. The hotel complements the adjacent East Midlands Conference Centre and gives visiting academics, student families, local busin... ess people and conference guests a memorable stay on the University Park campus. The hotel is designed to nestle into its hillside contours allowing the surrounding landscape to flow over, around and into the building. Two bedroom wings are split apart to reveal a transparent central atrium reception area, which is oversailed by an undulating timber canopy that reflects the setting's sloping contours and surrounding mature canopies. RHWL Architects has also consciously exploited the site's change in levels to enhance visitors' appreciation of their natural surroundings and create a variety of experiences: the front of the building is significantly elevated from the main approach, providing a strong sense of arrival, while the rear of the building is cut into the natural hillside to reduce its physical impact. At the same time, the hotel has a high performance building envelope with a green roof, photovoltaic panels, ground source heat pumps, smart building management and energy-efficient lighting, heating and ventilation systems. The building is now on track to receive a BREEAM Excellent rating, which recognises low-impact buildings that incorporate the best environmental practice. Corrie Jones, Associate at RHWL Architects, who collected the award, said: "The hotel is an outstanding addition to the University of Nottingham's campus. We developed its original concept by taking inspiration from the university's beautiful parkland setting to create a striking eco-friendly, four star, purpose-built building that is sympathetic to its environment, and we are very pleased that the quality of its design has been recognised in these awards." Pro-Vice Chancellor of the ...Read More