Bath Spa University

Locksbrook Road Campus Façade Refurbishment Case Study

Overview

The transformation of the former Herman Miller factory at Locksbrook Road into the new School of Art and Design for Bath Spa University represents a major adaptive reuse project within the city of Bath. Situated on the banks of the Kennet and Avon Canal, the building forms a distinctive industrial landmark and plays an important role in the area’s architectural and educational landscape.

Originally constructed as an industrial facility, the building contains approximately 8,500 square metres of floor space and features an innovative façade design incorporating glass reinforced plastic (GRP) panels, making it one of the oldest GRP buildings in the United Kingdom.

As part of the redevelopment, the building was repurposed into a modern educational facility capable of supporting contemporary teaching environments for art and design students. The project required extensive refurbishment of the building envelope to ensure long-term durability, improved performance, and integration with the updated architectural vision.

Structura UK worked closely with main contractor Willmott Dixon to deliver a comprehensive building envelope solution. The scope included the refurbishment of existing façade panels, replacement glazing throughout the building, and the creation of a new glass top floor, all while preserving the distinctive architectural features of the original structure.

This project demonstrates how specialist façade engineering and refurbishment expertise can enable the successful transformation of a historic industrial building into a modern educational campus.

Project Metrics

Several key project metrics highlight the scale and complexity of the Locksbrook Road campus transformation:

Building size: Approximately 8,500 m²

Building type: Educational facility (conversion from industrial building)

Façade material: Glass reinforced plastic (GRP) panels

Key façade works: GRP panel restoration, glazing replacement, glass top floor installation

Specialist solutions: On-site spraying booths with extraction ventilation

Heritage considerations: Listed building façade preservation

These factors demonstrate the scale of the refurbishment and the technical coordination required to deliver the project successfully.

The Challenge

Transforming an ageing industrial facility into a high-performance educational building presents several technical and logistical challenges. The Bath Spa University project required a careful balance between preserving the building’s original character and upgrading its façade systems to meet modern standards.

Refurbishing a Historic GRP Façade System

One of the defining architectural features of the building is its façade made from glass reinforced plastic (GRP) panels. At the time of construction, GRP was considered a forward-thinking material choice due to its durability and design flexibility. However, decades of exposure to weather conditions meant the façade required significant refurbishment. Restoring GRP panels presents unique challenges because the material must be treated carefully to preserve its structure and surface quality. Unlike more common façade materials such as aluminium or steel, GRP requires specialised preparation and refinishing techniques. In addition, the age of the panels increased the risk of damage during removal, transportation, and restoration. Preserving these panels was critical to maintaining the building’s architectural identity.

Protecting the Building’s Listed Status

The building’s heritage status meant that refurbishment work needed to respect its historic design characteristics. This requirement extended to the glazing systems installed throughout the building. Replacement glazing needed to replicate the appearance of the original systems while delivering modern performance and durability. Matching existing details within historic buildings can be challenging, particularly when original components are no longer available through standard suppliers.

Managing Large-Scale Façade Works

With 8,500 square metres of internal space, the building represents a substantial structure requiring significant façade refurbishment. The project required coordination across several building envelope elements, including GRP panel refurbishment, glazing replacement, entrance façade elements, repairs and refinishing of existing façade surfaces, and installation of a new glass top floor. Delivering this scope efficiently required careful planning and collaboration between the project teams.

Minimising Risk to Existing Materials

Transporting ageing façade panels away from site for refurbishment could have increased the risk of damage. Given the importance of preserving the original façade elements, the project required an approach that would allow refurbishment to be completed safely while minimising handling risks.

Structura’s Solution

Structura UK provided a comprehensive façade refurbishment solution that addressed the project’s technical challenges while ensuring the building envelope could support the new educational facility. The solution combined façade restoration, specialist glazing installation, and innovative on-site refurbishment techniques.

Project Results

The refurbishment of the Locksbrook Road campus successfully transformed the former industrial building into a modern educational facility while preserving the architectural character that makes the structure distinctive. The completed building now serves as the Bath Spa University School of Art and Design, providing a creative environment for students and staff.

Successful Adaptive Reuse of an Industrial Landmark

Repurposing the former Herman Miller factory allowed the building to continue contributing to the architectural and cultural landscape of Bath. Rather than demolish and rebuild, the project preserved the original structure while adapting it to meet the requirements of a modern university campus. The refurbishment demonstrates how existing buildings can be successfully adapted for new uses through careful engineering and design.

Refurbished Façade with Preserved Architectural Character

The restoration of the GRP façade panels ensured that the building retained its distinctive visual identity. Through careful restoration and refinishing, the panels were returned to a high standard while maintaining their original design appearance. This approach allowed the building to maintain its architectural significance while extending the lifespan of the façade.

Improved Building Envelope Performance

Replacing the glazing systems and refurbishing the façade improved the durability and long-term performance of the building envelope. These upgrades help ensure the building will continue to function effectively as an educational facility for years to come.

Efficient Project Delivery

The decision to refurbish the façade panels directly on site played a significant role in the efficiency of the project. By avoiding the need to transport panels off site, the project team reduced both risk and logistical complexity. This innovative approach helped streamline the refurbishment process and contributed to a more efficient construction programme.

Conclusion

The Bath Spa University School of Art and Design project illustrates how specialist façade refurbishment expertise can enable the successful transformation of historic buildings into modern facilities. Through careful restoration of the GRP façade, replacement glazing that respected the building’s listed status, and the installation of new architectural elements such as the glass top floor, Structura UK helped deliver a building envelope solution that supports the long-term use of the facility. By combining design, fabrication, and installation expertise within a single integrated approach, Structura delivered a project that preserved architectural heritage while supporting the future needs of Bath Spa University.

Awards

Category: Architectural Glazing, Bespoke Glazing, Curtain Walling, Glazing Refurbishment, Listed Building Refurbishment, On Site Paint Spraying, Project, Structura UK, Window & Door Refurbishment