A project to upgrade student accommodation while preserving a modern listed university building has been recognised with a John Shannon Conservation Award in the 2024 York Design Awards following refurbishment by Lindum.

As main contractor, Lindum worked with design consultant Fuse Studios to convert the Grade II listed Derwent P Building into new student flats for the University of York.

Block P was originally built in 1967 as an extension to Langworth (Derwent) College, which was largely constructed between 1963 and 1965.

The entire college was one of the first to be built using the CLASP (Consortium of Local Authorities Special Programme) prefabricated and modular system comprising light steel frames and pre-cast concrete panels and staircases.

The refurbishment of the Derwent P Building included stripping the building back to its shell, cleaning and repairing the listed concrete panels and installing a new roof.

Single glazed windows were replaced with double glazing which included off-white enamel panels at the bottom in homage to the original 1960s window design.

Internally, we cleaned and restored concrete stairwells and landings and created 57 fully furnished en-suite student bedrooms and six shared-use kitchens across three floors.

Effective insulation for improved airtightness, together with efficient M&E, means reduced energy consumption and an improved living environment for residents.

Fuse Studios trawled through hundreds of 1960s technical drawings to gain a thorough understanding of the how the Derwent P Building was originally constructed, which informed the design for improved building performance.

The judges were impressed by the conservation team’s attention to historic detail, “particularly in the refurbishment of the external concrete panels and the stairwells”.

They said: “Few buildings of the 1960s are listed and the technical skills and scholarship are not as well developed as with other historic buildings.

“As such this project is an exemplar for others faced with conserving buildings from this unfashionable architectural era.”

James Nellist, Managing Director of Lindum York, said: “We have been delighted to support the University of York in helping to update, improve, and add to the current on campus student accommodation offering.

“Ensuring we protected the historic importance of the Grade II listed building by preserving the exterior cladding and steel frame was of utmost importance, whilst also creating a modern and functional living environment for the student occupants.”

Fuse Studios said: “We loved working with a great client and team to deliver this technically challenging repurposing of a Grade II listed building, to provide new student accommodation.”

Lindum’s project team achieved an impressive 44/45 in a site audit by the Considerate Constructors Scheme.

The CCS, an independent body which aims to raise standards in construction, rated the site ‘Excellent’.

It said our site represented the industry in a most positive light and had “smart, well-maintained and secure boundaries” and was “kept clean and tidy internally, with materials stored in a way that minimises visual intrusion despite the highly constrained site footprint”.

The CCCS added that a high level of attention was paid to keeping boundaries and roadways clean and to ensuring the safety of cyclists and pedestrians. It also highlighted our measures to protect the natural environment, reduce waste and our carbon footprint, and enhance employee and supply chain awareness of these issues.

Furthermore, our positive health and safety culture, supportive and inclusive working environment and carefully planned and well-maintained welfare facilities won praise.

The work was procured through the first version of Pagabo’s Refit and Refurbishment Framework.