Stewart Milne Timber Systems has helped to deliver the latest phase of the University of Stirling's new sustainable and energy efficient student accommodation.

The work was carried out over a period of 11 weeks and was delivered in time for students returning for their second semester of the 2013/14 year.

Completed in early 2014, the residences consist of three-storey townhouses and flats, each designed to BREEAM "Excellent" standard, which is the internationally-recognised measure of quality in sustainable building.

As time was an important factor in the project, the use of an open panel timber system was identified as the best option by the build and manufacturing consultant. In order to overcome the access restrictions on site, Stewart Milne Timber Systems prepared a build programme, reviewed logistics and looked at crane locations to provide solutions for Graham Construction, the main contractor, as part of the build consultation.


Together, they planned a construction sequence to allow for safe access across the site for the duration of the build.

Alex Goodfellow, Group Managing Director of Stewart Milne Timber Systems, explained: "Given the pressures involved with student accommodation projects, we knew speed of build would be a critical factor. At the same time, it was important that the student accommodation reached the exacting standards required.

"An additional aspect on this project was the significant challenges presented by restricted access to the site. That meant we had to work closely with Graham Construction from early in the schedule to mitigate its potential effects.

"We made meticulous plans, looked at crane locations and stuck to a strict construction sequence, which was important in helping us to overcome the issues associated with restricted logistics. In the end, we delivered a BREEAM Excellent development in just 11 weeks despite these challenges."