Renovation of Rose Lane 5 nearing completion
The upgrade of the accommodation building at Rose Lane 5 (RL5) is nearing completion. The project, carried out by Conamar Building Services, was undertaken for three reasons: following the work on the exterior of the Warden's Lodgings, the aesthetic failings of RL5 were further exposed; more importantly, the project will deliver 13 rooms with en suite facilities for both student and conference accommodation; and it will result in a dramatic reduction to the carbon output of the building.
RL5 now has a white render to match that of the Warden's Lodgings. Beneath this sits a 50mm layer of expandable polystyrene insulation; cavity wall insulation and high specification double-glazed windows have also been installed. The central heating system has been changed from electrically-powered night storage heaters - impractical and with a high carbon output - to a gas-powered wet system that will be more cost-effective and reduce emissions. This is in line with the College's policy to review heating systems and wherever possible switch to a 'greener' option: four of the buildings in Holywell Street have already been converted in a similar way. LED lighting has been installed throughout the building, and electronic door locks fitted throughout - students will eventually be able to use their Bod cards to access these.
The project has been carried out to a tight three-month schedule - work began on 24 June and is on target for completion by Michaelmas Term 2013. The College plans to carry out similar work on its other Rose Lane buildings in the future.
