Digital and Data Centre, Exeter College

Overview

The Digital and Data Centre at Exeter College is a state-of-the-art educational facility designed to support the South West Institute of Technology (SWIoT) in delivering advanced digital and data skills training.

This new-build, BREEAM Excellent-rated facility provides cutting-edge teaching spaces, a triple-height atrium, a lecture theatre, and modern collaborative areas, ensuring that students are equipped with the digital skills required by industry.

Delivered on time and on budget despite global supply chain challenges during the pandemic, this project showcases Willmott Dixon’s commitment to high-quality, sustainable construction and local workforce investment.

Project Highlights

The innovative design & facilities compromised:

• Steel-frame structure with precast planks and a hot-melt roof, ensuring durability and efficiency.

• Triple-height atrium with feature staircase, creating an open, collaborative learning environment.

• Curtain walling with bronze brise soleil, providing passive shading and reducing solar gain.

• Ceramic rainscreen façade, blending seamlessly with Exeter’s architectural character.

• Lecture theatre and modern classrooms, designed to support interactive digital learning.

Sustainability & Environmental Credentials

• BREEAM Excellent rating achieved, ensuring best-in-class energy efficiency and environmental performance.

• Passive solar shading incorporated into design, reducing cooling demand.

• Sustainably sourced materials and efficient building services to minimize environmental impact.

• Refurbishment of an existing college building, further reducing embodied carbon.

Community & Social Impact

• 13 new jobs created for local people, supporting the regional economy.

• 201 training opportunities provided for construction workforce development.

• 477 professional hours spent supporting Exeter College’s community programs.

• 1,742 hours dedicated to assisting students with career training, fostering industry readiness.

• 301 waged training weeks, providing hands-on experience for apprentices and trainees.

Challenges Overcome

• Delivered amid the global Covid-19 pandemic, requiring adaptability to supply chain and workforce challenges.

• Ensured a defect-free completion, maintaining the highest quality standards.

• Optimized construction sequencing, enabling smooth integration with existing college operations.
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Client Feedback

"Despite the challenges of a global pandemic, Willmott Dixon and their supply chain partners, alongside our Design Team, have delivered a truly stunning facility under the most difficult of circumstances."

– Steve Strang, Director of Estates & Information Technology, Exeter College