In this project, another floor measuring 1800m² is added on top of the existing three storey Business School building in order to provide space for the School's post graduate executive programmes. To reduce cost, keep the existing building running and accelerate the building programme, the four existing roof level plant rooms were left in place. However, the building’s three existing stairs are located directly under these plant rooms, thereby posing a problem in relation to continuing these stairs to the new floor.
The architectural solution was to project the new stair extensions outside the building envelope with return circulation around the sides of the plant rooms. These stair projections are conceived as 'lanterns' and together with the glazing of the new floor envelope the entire floor is viewed as a contrasting 'glass box' sitting on the existing solid 'brick box'.
Internally, the project provides six new classrooms, which can be opened up to form double size rooms by means of folding walls, offices for senior staff, break out rooms for informal meetings and a Wi-Fi room for internet access. The circulation spaces are designed to be modern and generous and to facilitate interaction between people.
The project started on site in April 2007 and was completed on programme in six months, finishing in early October 2007 in order to allow post graduate classes to resume for the beginning of the 2007 academic year.