Converting a Basement into a University Medical Facility, Surrey

To facilitiate their exciting BSc Paramedic Science course, the University of Surrey identified that they needed more practical training space for their students. By working alongside Scott Brownrigg Architects, Newton Specialist Contractor Advanced Basements, and the Newton Technical Team, an extensive existing undercroft was converted into three large, dry rooms that are ideal for the purpose.

With an emphasis on practical elements, the exciting BSc Paramedic Science course at the University of Surrey needed a new, well-equipped training facility for its students at the Surrey Research Park, Guildford.

Having identified a large existing undercroft for the purpose, the University consulted with Scott Brownrigg Architects, as well as the Newton Technical team and Advanced Basements in order to create a new, dry space.

The extensive undercroft area was first separated into three large rooms, based on what each room was going to be used for. These were defined as:

• A live environment Paramedic Training room, with an existing concrete floor, concrete retaining walls, and blockwork internal walls
• A storage area, requiring a new insulated floor, and with concrete retainng walls and blockwork internal walls
• A plant room, requiring full internal waterproofing to the walls and floor

Considering that the existing structure was already quite robust, Newton and Advanced recommended an internal Type C Newton CDM System. This method of waterproofing is the most failsafe method, using membranes to capture the water, and sump chambers and pumps to collect and remove it. The pumps are also supported by a battery backup system for total security.

Advanced Basements acted as the specialist waterproofing contractor and the waterproofing design specialist on this project, working alongside the architect and client to design the system, before providing a high quality installation.

Furthermore, thanks to their early involvement, Advanced also took design liability for the project and guaranteed the installation for the client.