Architecture and building consultancy practice, AHR, has been selected to carry out two key refurbishment projects for the University of the West of England (UWE).

Both of the schemes are being delivered at the Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences' Glenside Campus.

The first project involved AHR delivering an interior refit for the former Traders restaurant, remodelling the area into a café, dining and social learning destination. This contract was completed in time for the new academic year.

The company is also carrying out a £4.9 million transformation of the Grade II-listed former laundry site, a large industrial space which is currently unused by the University. This scheme will involve re-modelling, renovation and fit-out works to create a modern facility that retains heritage features.


AHR is using scan to BIM and point cloud technology for both projects, drawing on its expertise in data and geomatics to produce fully accurate 3D digital representations.

Gary Overton, AHR Director, said: "The Glenside Campus is a first-class centre of excellence for clinical skills and we are proud that our work is playing a part in helping to develop young medical professionals."

Lee McDougall, Director of In-House 3D Laser Scanning at AHR, added: "The laundry project is particularly interesting for us. Advanced modelling for historic and heritage buildings is becoming essential due to the added curves, surfaces and intricacies in older buildings such as this. It gives the client a much better understanding of the design proposals and creates a much more interactive and collaborative process.

"3D models also hold significant benefits for architects and surveyors, including improved cost analysis, easier computation of materials, reduced design risk and improved Health and Safety."

AHR will work in collaboration with students from the Department of Architecture and the Built Environment throughout the laundry redevelopment, providing information on the research and design behind the scheme. Completion is scheduled for September 2018.

(LM/MH)