University of Bristol Dental School
- Location
- Bristol
- Client
- University of Bristol
- Expertise
- Acoustics
- Architecture
- Lighting
- Sustainability
- Completion
- 2023
- Size
- 7,300sqm
- Cost
- £37m
The retrofit of a city centre office building to create a new Dental School for University of Bristol.
BDP led the transformation of 1 Trinity Quay into the University of Bristol’s new Dental School, repurposing the existing office building to create a state-of-the-art teaching and clinical facility. Retaining the building’s structure and façade delivered an estimated 30% saving on material costs and a 70% reduction in embodied carbon, making it a model of sustainable reuse. Existing finishes, including ceilings, carpets, and furniture, were repurposed to further minimise waste. Strategically located near Bristol Temple Meads, the school strengthens connections with local communities, supports nearby businesses, and enhances access to free dental care for underrepresented groups.
The six-storey retrofit provides 119 dental chairs, clinical lab support areas, teaching spaces, offices, and breakout areas designed to foster collaboration. The adaptable layout meets clinical HTM standards while allowing for flexible use of space, ensuring effective supervision and an engaging learning environment. To address the challenges of lower ceiling heights typical of office buildings, services were integrated within ceiling cavities and vertical risers, preserving floor space. Prefabricated dental bay furniture ensured high-quality, efficient installation, reducing both costs and construction time.
Expanding student places by 25%, the new facility strengthens the University’s contribution to the national dental workforce and broadens educational opportunities with courses such as a Diploma in Dental Nursing. It also creates new jobs across clinical and support roles, further embedding the school within the community. Recognised as ‘Fitout/Refurbishment of the Year’ at the South West Insider Property Awards 2024, the project demonstrates the value of sustainable, high-quality redevelopment in breathing new life into city-centre sites.
Not only is the sensitive reuse of an existing space beneficial from a sustainability perspective, but it also provides a unique design opportunity as we were able to draw on quirky features of interest whilst injecting a modern and fresh take.
The redevelopment introduces a new lease of life and vibrant university function to this prominent building, bringing activity to this important of part of the city centre throughout the day and evening.