The redevelopment of the Royal Veterinary College’s Hawkshead Campus in Hertfordshire marked a significant investment in education and research infrastructure. As part of this transformation, Evans Concrete was appointed to deliver the architectural precast concrete elements of the new Student Learning Centre.
Working alongside main contractor RG Carter and architect NORR, Evans Concrete designed, manufactured and installed 152 precast cladding panels for the new teaching block. The panels featured a BLS185 concrete mix and a light acid etch finish, aligning with the building’s modern, clean-lined design. Completed in November 2023, this £1.03 million project demonstrates Evans’ ability to deliver complex, high-spec precast solutions within tight timeframes.
The new Learning Centre forms a central part of the student experience at the campus, offering modern lecture theatres, laboratories, and informal learning zones. The project also supports advanced research, now home to facilities like the RVC Centre for Vaccinology and Regenerative Medicine.
Evans Concrete’s role in the Hawkshead Campus project went far beyond fabrication. By delivering precision-engineered architectural precast cladding, Evans helped achieve both the structural demands and visual ambitions of the building. Each stage, from early design collaboration through to in-house manufacturing and on-site installation was guided by Evans’ commitment to sustainability and long-term value. Using offsite precast methods not only ensured high-quality, durable finishes but also supported reduced waste, less disruption on site, and improved environmental outcomes.
This approach reflects Evans Concrete’s broader vision for a more sustainable construction industry. As part of the Shay Murtagh Group, Evans is actively working towards carbon neutrality, prioritising efficient resource use, minimising material waste, and lowering embodied carbon in every product. Their investment in lean manufacturing, reuse strategies, and closed-loop water recycling are just some of the tangible ways they are contributing to more responsible building practices. In public sector and educational developments like this, such standards are not only beneficial, they are essential.
