Engineering Heartspace at The University of Sheffield

At Bond Bryan, we take pride in delivering value through collaboration, sustainability, and community impact. One of our most rewarding projects has been the Engineering Heartspace at the The University of Sheffield.

This transformative project involved both new-build and refurbishment work, reshaping outdated facilities into a dynamic space that fosters collaboration, innovation, and celebrates the university’s legacy and future aspirations.

The Engineering Heartspace is a testament to our commitment to creating spaces that add lasting value. In partnership with the University of Sheffield, we successfully managed a £28 million project to modernise the Faculty of Engineering’s facilities, transforming them into a state-of-the-art hub for learning and research.

By involving ourselves early in the Design & Build process, we were able to take a highly collaborative approach to budgeting and planning. We carefully removed obsolete sections of the original buildings and added a stunning 4-storey glass atrium, all while ensuring we stayed within budget.

A vital part of the project’s success was our management of Building Information Modelling (BIM), which streamlined communication across teams, minimised delays, and kept the project on track.

This collaborative approach allowed us to create a space that not only meets the current needs of the university but is also adaptable to future interdisciplinary research and collaboration. The Engineering Heartspace is now a central meeting point for students and staff, embodying the university’s commitment to innovation and academic excellence.

This project has had a significant impact on both the university and the wider Sheffield community. By transforming Grade II listed buildings, including St. George’s Building and the 1885 Central Wing, we preserved Sheffield’s architectural heritage while creating a modern, functional space.

The new atrium, with open collaboration areas, a café, and advanced laboratories, has become a vibrant central hub for students and staff. The design improves the university’s connection to the city and reinforces Sheffield’s reputation for educational and architectural excellence, while providing local jobs and stimulating the regional economy.

Sustainability was integral to the Engineering Heartspace project. Rather than demolishing existing structures, we focused on refurbishment, repurposing over 10,000 square metres of space to reduce waste and carbon emissions.

The glass atrium maximises natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting, while natural ventilation and thermally efficient systems ensure the space operates with minimal energy consumption.

The careful blending of old and new elements ensures energy efficiency and respects the building’s heritage. This project sets a benchmark for sustainable educational architecture, demonstrating how modern design can coexist with historic preservation for a lasting impact.