We’ve enjoyed a strong partnership with the University of Hertfordshire for over 25 years. Within that time, we’ve designed and delivered eight buildings and returned to refit and refurbish two, demonstrating our flexible approach and understanding to meet their evolving needs.
The University, known for its ambitious, strategic vision, embarked on the DeHavilland campus development in 2000—the largest higher education project at the time. Our collaborative efforts have significantly enhanced the University's status and success, both in the sector and globally. Together, we continue to shape a dynamic, future-focused campus that supports the University's growth and prestige.
The University, known for its ambitious, strategic vision, embarked on the DeHavilland campus development in 2000—the largest higher education project at the time. Our collaborative efforts have significantly enhanced the University's status and success, both in the sector and globally. Together, we continue to shape a dynamic, future-focused campus that supports the University's growth and prestige.
1 DeHavilland Campus Masterplan
Driven by the University’s need to optimise its estate, attract research investment, and support local business, the new campus remains one of the UK's most ambitious higher education projects. Over 15 years later, it is a vital part of their estate, enhancing synergy between academic departments and supporting social and intellectual interaction.
The finished scheme provides a new, dynamic image and identity, attractive and stimulating to staff, students and the wider community.”
Sir Tim Wilson
Vice-Chancellor University of Hertfordshire 2003-2010
Vice-Chancellor University of Hertfordshire 2003-2010
2 Academic Buildings
From the DeHavilland Campus Masterplan, the Academic Buildings and Learning Resource Centre offer flexible, naturally ventilated spaces for teaching, learning, and staff. Housing the Faculty of Humanities, Law, Education, and Business School, the scheme features a glazed street linking buildings and shared teaching spaces, encouraging cross-faculty learning.
3 Auditorium
This sculptural, stainless-steel clad auditorium at DeHavilland campus is a community landmark, offering a versatile 465-seat venue for drama, cinema, conferences, and music. Designed with theatre and acoustic experts, it’s a regional cultural hub and a vital part of the University’s community engagement and event programme.
4 Faculty of Law
The Faculty of Law is a focal point of deHavilland campus, designed to foster innovation with diverse teaching spaces and a contemporary, IT-rich courtroom. Featuring BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standards, it integrates rainwater harvesting, natural ventilation and daylighting. The building ranks 8th among the top 50 law school buildings in the world.
5 Weston Atrium Redevelopment
The Weston Atrium remodel at DeHavilland campus, completed in September 2012, was the first project of the University’s 2020 Estates Vision. This transformation created a dynamic, facility-rich environment for learning, socialising, and relaxing. The building features a 24/7 study deck, flexible event space, and new students' union facilities.
6 Main Building Refurbishment and New Lecture Theatre
In 2015, we were appointed to refurbish 14,000m² of teaching, administrative, and social space and construct a 300-seat lecture theatre on College Lane Campus. This project enhances the condition and suitability of the estate, improving identity, functionality, and interaction for the three academic schools housed within.
7 School of Film and Media
Standing at the entrance to College Lane Campus, the School of Film and Media Studies offers state-of-the-art facilities and features spaces for flexible teaching and future adaptability. High ceilings support heavy IT use and sustainable ventilation. The building layout balances circulation space with classrooms to foster an informal learning environment.
The School of Film and Media building provides state of the art facilities to support the teaching and learning activities of the course and the University”
Chris McIntyre
Dean of Creative and Cultural Industries University of Hertfordshire
Dean of Creative and Cultural Industries University of Hertfordshire
8 The Forum
Our original design for the Forum included a 2000 person entertainment venue, opened in 2009. MCW were subsequently appointed for the refurbishment works in 2021, as part of the University's 2030 Estates Vision review.
The main gig space has been converted into a 250 seat lecture theatre and major upgrades to the nightclub/bar facilities enhance the students’ experience, including a new entrance foyer.
The main gig space has been converted into a 250 seat lecture theatre and major upgrades to the nightclub/bar facilities enhance the students’ experience, including a new entrance foyer.
All who have been involved in this fantastic development, the Students’ Union, the architects, the contractors can be very proud of what has been achieved.”
Sir Tim Wilson
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hertfordshire 2003-2010
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hertfordshire 2003-2010
9 Nursery
The nursery is a key part of the University’s broader estate improvements, promoting access for students and providing improved facilities for staff. Serving 80 children, it offers a safe and nurturing environment with individual classrooms, shared play areas, and secure administration space.
10 Multi-storey Car Park
A new multi-storey car park, featuring back-lit polycarbonate and an aluminium skin for aesthetic appeal and acoustic control, enhances the campus entrance as part of broader estate improvements. It sits alongside The Forum.
Awards
2013
Weston Atrium Redevelopment
Association of Interior-Specialists Interior Fit Out
Gold Award
2013
Faculty of Law
RICS Design and Innovation Award
Winner
2013
Faculty of Law
Building Futures Most Sustainable Construction Award
Winner
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