The Exeter College Digital & Data Centre – Institute of Technology represents the first phase of the College’s 15-year masterplan and the scheme provides its Hele Road campus with a new landscape gateway space, providing students with enhanced lawned and planting areas for amenity use.
Our team enjoyed collaborating with Exeter College, AWW, Willmott Dixon and the rest of the project team to deliver the landscape proposals.
Location
Exeter
Client
Exeter College
Service
Landscape
Sector
Education
Value
Unspecified
Awards
Michelmores Property Awards - Education Project of the Year 2021
Project Vision
The Hele Gate entrance space is one of the key landscape spaces proposed as part of the wider landscape strategy and the first component to be delivered as part of the 15 year masterplan. This space is designed to act as the main gateway for students entering the campus from the city centre and which provides a high-quality lawned green space for students and visitors to enjoy for amenity.
Design Approach
The design introduced a new axial route that crosses an enhanced lawn to act as the main pedestrian access point in to the Hele Road campus. New tree and ornamental planting is provided around the perimeter along with new seating to provide a much enhanced garden space for students to enjoy in their recreation time. A new raised planter constructed from Forest of Dean natural stone is located at the site entrance to provide informal seating for congregating. The selection of materials and design has carefully considered the setting of the site within a conservation Area and existing listed buildings within the campus.
Project Outcomes
The scheme is now complete and in operation for students and visitors to enjoy. The building won the Michelmores Property Awards Education Project of the Year 2021.
Sustainability Approach
The scheme has been designed to meet Exeter City Council (ECC) BREEAM excellent policy. An electric Co-Bikes station and additional cycle parking is provided to support active travel and a number of mature landmark trees have been retained.