Client: Alumno Developments University Locks is a purpose-built student accommodation project located in Birmingham, offering 659 high-quality rooms. The development is set on the canalside and provides a mixture of ensuite rooms and studio apartments over 10 storeys, catering to students attending nearby universities. The building is designed to foster a vibrant student community, offering a range of amenities including communal lounges, study spaces, and a gym. Its proximity to both Aston University and Birmingham City University makes it a prime location for student living. Services we provided Digital Engineering & BIM Civil & Infrastructure Engineering Environmental & Sustainability Consulting Geotechnical & Ground Engineering Ground Investigation & Land Quality Structural Engineering Water Engineering & Flood Risk Show More Our Role BWB provided integrated services for University Locks, delivering expert advice and designs for the development. This included civil and structural engineering consultancy, during which we provided designs and options to meet the client's vision. Digital cost saving Our team also used REVIT software to develop the scheme’s BIM model, which gave us a better view of the project and an understanding of what was needed to make it a success. The original scheme was value-engineered from a full-in-situ concrete frame to a hybrid part-in-situ and part-precast concrete-framed solution. This option allowed the structure to eliminate deep transfer beam zones, thereby reducing building height and, in turn, cost. Post planning support We also provided post-planning support to the developer, including negotiating with the site vendor and developing a remediation strategy for the site. To meet the client's vision and requirements, we designed and detailed the in situ concrete structural frame up to the ground floor level. Infrastructure and site engineering We delivered the design and construction of all drainage, highways, and external works through the tender and delivery phase of the project, working closely with various stakeholders to manage the production of information that enabled them to meet a very challenging programme.