Hillhead Refurbishment Information
Temporary inconvenience… Permanent improvement
As part of our continued investment in our commitment to improving the student experience, we are now beginning the next phase of our refurbishment plan for Hillhead Student Village.
By Summer 2013 we will have completed major refurbishment within all eight blocks of Burnett and Esslemont Houses.
We understand how inconvenient it will be, at times, for people who live and walk in the vicinity of the construction zone. To that end, Accommodation staff will work directly with the contractor throughout the project and keep us all informed about the progress of work and alerted to upcoming activity and disruptions that affect residents helping to minimise the negative impacts of having a construction site in our neighborhood.
As with any large construction project, there will be inconveniences for many of the students and staff members who live, walk and park in Hillhead. Detailed planning with contractors has included many ways to minimise inconveniences to residents. Despite the careful planning, projects and schedules sometimes change at short notice and persons in the vicinity of Esslemont and Burnett should expect the following during most or all of the construction:
- Construction fences will encircle Burnett and Esslemont for most or all of the year.
This is for your security and safety.
- Construction activity will produce some extra noise and truck traffic in and out of Hillhead.
- The worst of the inconveniences will be experienced by residents whose windows look out over Burnett and Esslemont
The patience and understanding of all who live in and walk through the Hillhead Student Village will be appreciated.
Installation of 500 solar panels (Photovoltaic cells)
The south facing elevations of all 8 blocks will be fitted out with photovoltaic cells which will generate electricity that will be used on site.
Triple glazed windows
All the windows will be replaced with PVCu triple glazed units complete with trickle vents. The windows will greatly reduce energy consumption, be more secure and reduce noise
Push button showers and taps
These will help to save water and energy.
Cavity wall insulation
External walls are made of two layers with a gap or cavity between them. Cavity wall insulation fills that gap, keeping the warmth in to save energy. It also helps reduce condensation inside the house.
New pitched roof with high insulation
The flat roof level will have additional insulation laid on it. The new roof finish will be a grey finished standing seam aluminium light weight roof, which will also incorporate on one side the photovoltaic cells.
Absence light detectors
All the existing lighting will be replaced with new more efficient lighting incorporating both presence and absence detection.
Enhanced CCTV security
Enhanced CCTV will be installed for added security to residents
Security entry
Security entry access to both houses will be installed providing flexible control over access.
More efficient heating
Replacement of the current radiators with new, incorporating thermostatic radiator valves and connection to the BMS system, which will allow for some local control within rooms.
New social areas to chill out with flatmates
Each flat of 5 rooms will have a social area created adjacent to the kitchen. The social area will be furnished with soft furniture – this is a major change to the current floor plan.
New kitchens
Each flat will be fitted out with individual lockable storage units for residents. Each kitchen will also be fitted with new AA rated white goods including, full sized cookers, full sized fridge freezers and microwave ovens. A breakfast bar will also be installed.
Brand new furniture
All the bedrooms will be fitted out with new bedroom furniture including new beds, wardrobe, desk and computer chair.
