UK-based Ocon Construction has completed £6.3 million ($9.81 million) phase II of Northfield student accommodation scheme for University of Sussex in the UK.
Phase II involved construction of 180 units in three L-shaped blocks. This phase follows successful completion of the £26.2 million ($40.75 million) phase I by Ocon in 2011. Phase II construction replicated the exemplary build quality, environmental track record and project management of phase I.
Designed by Pascall + Watson, the Northfield development has been constructed just outside the South Downs National Park boundary and its emphasis on environmental best practice reflects its location.
Ocon has sourced construction materials locally wherever possible and commissioned a full ecology report which was central to project planning and management.
Environmental features include sedum roofs planted to attract insect and butterfly species, bat bricks built into the fabric of the buildings and a major infrastructure extension to the University’s existing district heating main. The new accommodation units were handed over and operational in time for the summer lettings.