Sarah Turvill Multifaith Centre

  • Client

    University Of Exeter

  • Contractor

  • Value

    £5m

  • Completion Date

    December 2024

Commencing in August 2023 and completed in December 2024, this £5.5m project serves the diverse student and faculty population at the University of Exeter.

The enriching new facility aims to promote respect and diversity of all faiths and beliefs and create a sense of community and inclusion on campus and beyond.

The new centre is a space for quiet reflection, multifaith activities and events, as well as providing a 50 person Muslim prayer space, and a dedicated home for the University’s Multifaith Chaplains who serve the whole community, uniting 14 faith groups and a student population representing over 150 countries.

It is named in honour of alumna of the University and former Chair of the University’s Council, Sarah Turvill.

The Challenge

The biggest challenge faced by the project was the stringent demands of a Passivhaus project, which require a proactive approach, aligned supply chain and immense attention to detail.  The project was also situated on a busy area of campus, sandwiched between student support buildings, lecture theatres, teaching spaces and even laboratories working within stringent environmental conditions, however, the project consistently scored 45 on the Considerate Constructors Scheme.

The Solution

Willmott Dixon team overcame these difficulties through collaboration with stakeholders and experience from other Passivhaus projects which included:

  • Prioritising completeness and accuracy of design and detailing
  • Having the Passivhaus certifier review all MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) system selections before the supply chain begins purchasing equipment.
  • Involving the supply chain early to ensure all materials and systems meet Passivhaus standards.
  • Meticulous record keeping on all materials and construction details to achieve Passivhaus certification.
  • Investing in training and site visits to ensure the team is comfortable with the specific requirements of the project.

The Results

Sustainability and reducing carbon emissions have been fundamental to the design and the construction of the building, which aims to achieve Passivhaus certification for its energy efficiency, carbon reduction and air quality. The building is constructed from energy efficient porotherm blocks and includes air source heat pumps and solar panels on the roof.

Our work to achieve Passivhaus Classic Certification included rigorous low-energy design standards, significantly improving building comfort, air quality and energy use, with greater carbon reduction.

One way was through using low carbon porotherm clay blocks, which are made from 30% recycled materials and have an expected lifespan of 150 years; even after which the blocks can be recycled. It also incorporated high levels of insulation including triple glazed windows to drive high air tightness performance. It also benefits from air source heat pumps and PV solar panels on the roof.

Beyond the building itself, the project’s impact extended to the wider community. Over 100 people benefitted from outreach initiatives, including site tours and CV workshops for prison leavers. On-site mental health talks and screenings supported worker wellbeing, reinforcing a culture of care.

Despite the challenges of working on an active campus, the project was delivered on time and budget, with extensive community outreach and careful sequencing to minimise disruption to the live campus. The result is a pioneering, net-zero-ready building that celebrates diversity, promotes wellbeing, and exemplifies construction excellence.

11

Apprenticeships

£2,457,232.96

SME Spend Achieved

£752,941

Added Value

10/10

Client Satisfaction

Contractor Performance | Commitments

Sustainability

5,151.88kg CO₂ savings using hydrotreated vegetable oil, HVO), a low carbon diesel alternative.

99.77% construction wasted diverted from landfill

21,697KG embodied carbon saving

0.5 airtightness exceeds Passivhaus 0.6 target

100% fossil fuel-free in operation

Fair

Willmott Dixon prides itself on meeting the expected payment period.

Legacy

171 training weeks

342 student interactions

233 people benefitted from employment workshops

10 work experience placements

72% of the workforce within the Exeter postcode

591 trees planted in Exeter

Client Testimonial

“We are hugely proud of this fantastic new community focussed and inclusive facility that has been created at the centre of life at our University.

“Our working partnership with Willmott Dixon has been key to the delivery of this successful project. Working together, the project has supported our ambition to reduce carbon emissions on campus, with sustainability being fundamental both to the design and the construction of the building. The team worked collaboratively with us throughout the project to manage disruption on campus, resolved issues efficiently, and despite the bad weather at critical moments in the construction programme the project was delivered within agreed timescales.
It is fantastic to see our vision for the Multifaith Centre made into a reality.”

Clive Booth Student Accommodation