Modern open-plan university space featuring a mix of collaborative and breakout areas. The design includes a large glass partition wall creating transparency and natural light flow complemented by neutral grey carpeting and white ceilings with integrated circular acoustic panels. A long table with light green chairs provides a shared workspace while a red accent wall adds colour contrast near wooden doors. Soft seating in red and green tones is arranged around low planters for informal meetings. The fit out incorporates minimalist furniture, clean lines and biophilic elements with indoor plants creating a contemporary and welcoming environment. Contemporary university atrium featuring semi-enclosed booth seating for collaborative work. The design includes modular green upholstered booths with integrated tables set within a wooden frame structure. Frosted glass panels with geometric patterns provide partial privacy while maintaining an open feel. The space has light grey tiled flooring with directional graphics and a high ceiling that allows natural light. A large wall graphic adds visual interest above the booths and the fit out incorporates clean lines, neutral tones and functional furniture to create a modern and practical environment. Modern university collaboration space featuring a large shared table with mixed grey and green chairs and integrated power points. Two semi-enclosed booths with pitched roof frames and green upholstered seating provide private work areas. The design includes neutral flooring, suspended ceiling panels with recessed lighting and wide windows allowing natural light. A planter with tall greenery adds a biophilic element and the fit out combines functional furniture, clean lines and soft tones to create a practical and inviting environment. Reception and collaboration area with a modern fit out featuring a long wooden counter against a burnt orange accent wall with bold white text. The space includes semi-enclosed booths with pitched roof frames and green upholstered seating for private work. A central grey upholstered bench with two backrests provides informal seating. A planter with tall greenery adds a natural element and large windows bring in daylight. The design combines neutral flooring, suspended ceiling panels and clean lines to create a functional and welcoming environment. University collaboration area featuring long shared tables with integrated power points and mixed grey and green chairs. Three semi-enclosed booths with pitched roof frames and green upholstered seating provide private workspaces. The design includes neutral flooring, a black open ceiling grid with recessed lighting and clean white walls. Large windows at the far end allow natural light and the fit out combines functional furniture, simple lines and soft tones to create a practical and contemporary environment. Open-plan university space with a modern fit out featuring white tables with integrated power points and mixed green and grey chairs. The design includes wood-effect flooring, suspended ceiling panels with recessed lighting and bright red accent columns. Planters with tall greenery create natural partitions between seating areas and high tables with bar stools provide additional collaborative zones. Large windows and glass partitions allow natural light and the overall layout combines clean lines and functional furniture for a contemporary and welcoming environment. Computer lab with a modern fit out featuring rows of workstations with desktop monitors on light wood desks and black chairs. The space has white walls, wood-effect flooring and a high ceiling with integrated linear LED lighting. Large wall-mounted screens are positioned along one side and skylights allow natural light to enter. The design combines clean lines, neutral tones and functional furniture to create a bright and efficient working environment.
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Home Case studies Cardiff University

Repurposed spaces for modern campus life

Cardiff University’s repurposing of four spaces has created fresh and welcoming student hubs across their Cathays Park campus.

Project partners

  • Emerson
  • Gleeds
  • Stantec
  • Stride Treglown

Key features

  • Refurbishment of four buildings on an occupied campus
  • Fresh student hubs with collaborative zones
  • Improved heating, cooling and ventilation
  • Updated IT and security infrastructure

Cardiff University wanted brighter, more adaptable areas across its healthcare, engineering, humanities and sciences buildings on their Cathays Park campus. Each space needed to feel open and comfortable, with a relaxed café style atmosphere where students and staff could collaborate and study. At the same time, the fit out had to be delivered safely on a live campus with minimal disruption.

Fast track decisions

The project team worked to a tight design window, moving through the early planning stages to the detailed design stage in a short period. To keep decisions clear and efficient, we held regular design workshops that brought all project parties together, enabling quick and confident choices.

Old lecture rooms and staff offices were stripped out and reconfigured into new study hubs, breakout areas and shared offices. We installed updated branding, graphics and furniture to create a consistent look and feel across the refurbished spaces. Behind the scenes, we upgraded building services including heating, cooling, ventilation, power, IT and security.

Operating on a busy, live campus required careful planning around noise, dust and movement. Segregation, clear routes and ongoing communication ensured everyone remained safe and disruption was kept to a minimum.

Adapting to change

Midway through the works, additional IT spaces for the engineering building were added into the programme. We successfully integrated these changes into the project schedule, delivering the project three weeks early, whilst managing the impact of unexpected exam retakes.

Four fresh spaces for students and staff

The completed hubs offer bright, inspiring spaces with new graphics, furniture and a warm colour scheme. Students and staff now have more room to meet and work, making everyday campus life easier and more enjoyable.

  • Cardiff
  • 12,000 sq ft
  • 17 weeks

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