Modular solution fast-tracks construction of AI learning hub
The University of Hull needed a new state-of-the-art computer teaching facility to be built in a matter of months but conventional construction methods would have taken too long.
Our innovative modular solution ensured the project was completed not just quickly, but cost-effectively and sustainably.
By Paul Batchelor
Partner, RLB in the UK
Digital technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) are becoming embedded in our everyday lives, creating growing career opportunities for those with computer programming and coding skills.
The number of students starting dedicated degrees in AI at UK universities rose by 42% in 2025, according to new research by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. Universities face a real challenge to meet this demand, not least in finding the space to teach more students.
The University of Hull required additional capacity to deliver data science, AI and computer modelling courses to its increasing number of postgraduate and international students – and fast. Its requirement was for a two-storey building with 220 computer workstations to be completed in little more than six months.
RLB had built up an excellent relationship with the University, having supported it on various building projects since 2017, and it turned to us for a solution.
Advantages of offsite manufacture
We put together a multidisciplinary team to deliver the project and our first step was to conduct a feasibility study, which soon established there was no existing space on the campus that could be repurposed.
We looked at the options for building a brand-new facility and proposed using prefabricated modular units after our study identified this could cut construction time by six to eight weeks or more compared to conventional ‘bricks and mortar’ methods. Building the facility in a factory would eliminate site-based construction processes and remove the risk of delay due to material and labour shortages and inclement weather conditions.
There were other advantages. Reducing the number of workers needed on site to construct and finish the building would reduce the risk of health and safety incidents. In the end, there were none. It would also reduce the number of delivery vehicle journeys to and from site and therefore carbon emissions, and minimise disruption to working life on the campus due to noise, dust and vibration.
By sourcing refurbished modular units, we cut waste and lessened the project’s carbon footprint further, and brought the cost of the project under a traditional new-build.
FACTS AND FIGURES
Project: Centre of Excellence for Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Modelling
Location: Hull, UK
Client: University of Hull
Size: 8,660 sq ft
OUR CLIENT SAYS...
“The building is testament to an outstanding collaborative approach by the full project team and an excellent example of what can be achieved with innovative construction and delivery methods.”
Stephen Dale, Director of Estates and Facilities, University of Hull
Collaboration between stakeholders
The modular supplier, Premier Modular, build contractor Sewell Construction and the whole supply chain were based within 20 miles of the site, which helped keep transport costs and emissions down, and ensured the project’s social and economic value benefited the local area.
We negotiated contracts with suppliers that would promote effective collaboration, which was essential if we were to steer the project swiftly through the planning permission process and meet the strict schedule. Everyone worked in a spirit of cooperation to achieve the same goal.
It was just as important to work closely with the end users – the University’s computer science faculty, ICT and estates and facilities teams. We met with them regularly in person and online, translating their vision into a detailed design brief for the building and consulting them at every step throughout the project.
A key requirement was that the building had to be open plan, not cellular, to promote both individual and group learning, providing enough space for more than 200 students to be taught all at the same time.
The layout of desks and the positioning of computers and repeater screens were carefully considered to improve ergonomics and avoid screen glare, and we designed the orientation and external elevations of the building around this requirement.
Energy-saving systems
Sustainability is a key driver for the University as it is committed to achieving net zero by 2027. Driving down emissions during the construction process was only half the task. We also had to find ways that would reduce the building’s running costs and carbon footprint throughout its life cycle.
RLB’s architectural and mechanical and electrical designers incorporated several energy-saving features into the building’s design. We knew the computers and hi-tech equipment would generate a lot of heat and specified a heating and ventilation system that would keep the building cool and recirculate the heat recovered to save energy.
Each unit also has enhanced fabric insulation and advanced LED lighting and lighting controls. A 28kW solar photovoltaic array installed on the roof enables the building to generate its own electricity.
An added advantage of the precision-manufactured modular buildings used on the project is that they offer much greater accuracy and tolerances compared to traditional construction methods. This minimises air permeability, enhancing thermal efficiency and reducing heat loss, carbon emissions and running costs.
Thanks to all these green features, the building was awarded an A-rated Energy Performance Certificate.
“DAIM was completed on time and under budget. By using a fast-track modular solution, we were able to deliver the project in just 20 weeks, shaving months off the construction process.”
Watch our video case study on DAIM here
Extended working life
The site provided its own challenges. Due to poor ground conditions, pad foundations, which are the norm for modular buildings, could have led to subsidence in as little as five years. We sought the advice of a structural engineer and opted for fully piled foundations, strong enough to support a six-storey brick structure. This will give the building a working life of 40 years or more. The piling was undertaken while the modular units were being refurbished in the factory, keeping the programme on track.
With the tight schedule, we had to get everything right first time. We checked the modular units before they left the factory to ensure they were refurbished to the highest standards.
It took just five days to crane all 24 units into position and during delivery and installation, a strict quality control regime was put in place to monitor the quality of the building’s finish to minimise snagging and the risk of programme slippage.
Completed on time
I was privileged to attend the opening ceremony of the Centre of Excellence for Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Modelling, otherwise known as DAIM. The highlight of the whole project for me was seeing the building full of young people and being used for what it was designed and built for – teaching and learning.
DAIM was completed on time and under budget. By using a fast-track modular solution, we were able to deliver the project in just 20 weeks, shaving months off the construction process.
The building is an exact replica of the original CGI visualisation and the quality of its finish is comparable to a traditionally built building. It is a fantastic showcase of what can be achieved with modern methods of construction.
About the author
Paul Batchelor
Paul Batchelor joined RLB in 2016 and is Partner Lead of Finance and Operations for our Built Asset Consultancy in the North of England. Prior to taking up his current leadership position within RLB, Paul played a key role in the management of strategic frameworks and the delivery of capital development projects, predominantly in the later living and education sectors.
Paul is a Fellow of RICS and a member of RICS Qualifications and Assessment Committee, with global responsibility for entry and assessment to the profession, policy development and quality assurance of RICS qualifications.
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