The practice has been commissioned to design a new teaching and learning building for the Carmarthen campus of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David - recently established through the merger of the University of Wales, Lampeter and Trinity University College, Carmarthen. The new £4m block on the north campus will provide an iconic presence for the new university and will provide state-of-the-art facilities for students.
Cennydd Powell, Executive Head of Estates and Facilities at the University said: "The building, whilst primarily focusing on Media and the Arts will also accommodate other University courses and provide space capable of being used by the local community. It will also include IT facilities capable of supporting and developing digital design media. The building is being designed to be an iconic modern facility within a style that is compatible with other notable buildings on the campus. Work is due to start onsite in the spring, with completion due in summer 2012 in advance of the new academic year."
On the design, Gary Loo, Senior Director at Boyes Rees said: "As well as applying sustainable principles, the design focuses on delivering a contemporary, yet sympathetic building that will create a holistic learning and teaching environment for staff and students."
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Following delivery of a multi-campus feasibility study, the practice is also currently designing a new campus in Nantgarw for Coleg Morgannwg, one of the largest providers of higher education and training in south Wales.
The college's ambition is to transform its estate to create a learning facility that will deliver long-term sustainability, and will be an iconic beacon for skills development in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Mr Loo said: "The proposed building comprises two curved parallel blocks. The rear block rises to four storeys and the front block three storeys, with a glazed roof linking the two to create a central atrium area.
"Based on its exemplary sustainability design credentials, the project has been selected as a Constructing Excellence Wales demonstration project and is also a case study for the all-Wales university research project the Low Carbon Research Institute programme – both testament to our commitment as a practice to innovative and sustainable design."
In addition, Boyes Rees has been engaged to design five new student accommodation blocks on the Treforest Campus for the University of Glamorgan in Pontypridd.
The £20m purpose built development is currently underway and will provide 476 en-suite student residences to replace the existing halls at Neuadd Philip Evans and Neuadd Philip Squire.
Mr Loo continues: "Development of the design has included several meetings with Rhondda Cynon Taff Planning Authority as well as a public consultation exercise with the aim of developing a design that was pleasing to all involved."
Approximately 120 rooms will be completed ready for occupation in February 2011 and the remainder will be available by September 2011.
The project forms part of the University's £130m investment into its facilities and campuses to provide new students’ union buildings, new science spaces and improvements to sports facilities and accommodation.
Jane Boyes, Managing Director at Boyes Rees, said: "All three schemes are significant projects for Boyes Rees and further boost our impressive credentials in the education sector."
Boyes Rees has worked on a range of educational schemes across England and Wales, including Bradley Stoke Community School and Downend School in Bristol, Ynyshir Community Primary School and Monmouth School, Monmouthshire. The business is owned by Jane Boyes and Gary Loo, employing over 65 staff from its office on Greyfriars Road.
