University of Winchester, West Downs Campus

Key features

Three interconnected buildings on chalk site

Three interconnected buildings atop a site-wide basement totalling 80,000m2 with RC pad footing foundations into chalk.

Steel truss feature roof

The library’s feature roof uses steel trusses to create a 30m-wide, 60m-long first floor that’s free of columns.

Flexible 72m-long teaching block

With its exposed RC flat slab structure on a 9m x 9m grid and various load transfers, the teaching block spans 72m with only two internal columns at ground floor.

Low-impact SuDS solution

A large soakaway beneath the landscaping attenuates surface water, draining into the underlying chalk.

“Heyne Tillett Steel provided significant cost savings throughout the project, especially on the alterations to the project’s basement design. We have been impressed by the teams’ dedication to this project and the diligence they have shown in putting together a high-quality and contemporary design. The University is delighted with the finished product and would like to thank the whole team for a great addition to our campus. We would not hesitate to work with them again for future projects.”

Mark Butt, Project Manager, The University of Winchester