JB Priestley Library refurbishment for the University of Bradford

Constructed in the 1970s the library was an inefficient building in terms of energy use and the building was dark, stuffy, expensive to run and old fashioned. 

The University had earmarked the building for refurbishment and securing HEFCE funding,
presented an opportunity to do so.  The funding was awarded on the basis of the ambitious
proposal to raise the building from an energy efficiency rating of “D” to “A”. 

The scheme is being used as a benchmark project by HEFCE as an example of sustainable development and is proof that it is possible to transform outdated buildings and that refurbishment is a realistic and viable option to rebuilding.  The project demonstrates how the combination of innovative design, choice of materials and their application to an existing building can result in transforming the environment of existing buildings into energy efficient, functional facilities to meet the demands of the present and the future.