University of Leeds
July 2010
The project for the University of Leeds, ‘The Edge’, comprises a swimming pool, gymnasium, fitness and sports science facilities. The pool features a 25m, 8 lane pool with a moveable floor up to a depth of 2m. This enables a wide range of activities for staff and students including sub-aqua, water polo, canoe polo, as well as casual swimming.
The first floor of the building houses the 200 station fitness suite which overlooks the new pool. In addition the facility has a sauna and steam room, small cafe, spectator seats and changing facilities.
The project has achieved a BREEAM pre-assessment rating of 73.16 (Excellent). Additional to the BREEAM score, the project team concentrated on improving the air tightness of the building from the Building regulations standard of tenm3/hr.m2 down to 3 m3/hr.m2.
The University is looking to better Building Regulations in this field on all new buildings by a factor of 50%, and the project team looked to better this through a combination of careful material specifications, robust detailing of junctions, careful specification and detailing of mechanical ventilation plant, and tight control of sub-contractors on site.
Edge – Willmott Dixon showcase video