The Roundhouse has been described as an “exemplar project” by English Heritage in its ‘Constructive Conservation in Practice’. It is one of our most prestigious projects and certainly the one of most historical significance to date. Originally constructed in 1839 for the repair of locomotives, by Robert Stephenson, who in association with his father George,
designed and created the Rocket, The Roundhouse is a 16-sided polygon which is 40m in diameter and contains a central turntable which was used to manoeuvre the engines.

The Grade II* Listed building and other associated railway buildings on the site have been sympathetically restored and repaired using the William Morris principle of ‘honest repair’. We have maintained the overall character and features of the building to English Heritage standards. There are also two newly constructed buildings on the site which have been
designed to co-exist with existing structures.

The project has been completed for Derby College and it will be home to 2,500 students who will undertake vocational courses in trades from construction and engineering to hairdressing and catering. The project became a living classroom, giving additional added value to the client Derby College, by offering practical opportunities to students.
The students undertook work experience under the guidance of B&K project managers and our supply chain, where they
learnt both valuable restoration skills and modern construction techniques.

A number of innovations were incorporated into the new-build construction including a ‘chameleon glass’ which changes colour depending on the light and angle of view. The windows are coated with a diachronic film made by 3M and this was used for the first time in the UK on this project.

The project was completed on time and to budget.