Location: Middlesex, UK

Construction Value: £14,000,000

Client: Middlesex University

Architect of Record: BPR ArchitectsThe £14 million Sheppard Library introduced a new unified strategy to the existing piecemeal urban fabric of the Hendon site, and was to expand into a cohesive £100 million campus wide masterplan.

This was to become the first phase of Middlesex University’s relocation programme. Underlying principles for the new learning resource centre, set out by Middlesex University were functionality, integration and flexibility.

Its design is informed by its function and environmental considerations and the buildings 8,000 sqm footprint optimises use of the confined site.

The new building provides services for 1,600 students utilising the latest information technology formed over a variety of study environments. Sheppard Library is now home to 250,000 books and provides facilities including dedicated research and postgraduate study rooms, digital language classrooms, video conferencing, video facilities and an off-air recording base.

Using a balance of passive design and renewable technology including rain water harvesting, solar panels and natural ventilation the design aims to minimise energy consumption.