Daphne Steele Building achieves WELL Platinum certification

We’re delighted with this global recognition from the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), highlighting our commitment to designing healthier, more sustainable learning environments that place people’s wellbeing at the heart of education.

A human-centred approach to healthcare education

The Daphne Steele Building was created to enhance wellbeing, support student success and promote community health. Inside, our innovative design reimagines the student experience, embedding the full patient journey from the outset.

To support real-world learning and evolving teaching and research demands, the building provides high-fidelity simulation spaces and community-facing clinics and facilities, alongside dedicated life sciences laboratories.

Natural light, biophilic design features, calming materials and smart ventilation systems ensure the environment is both inspiring and restorative – supporting student wellbeing, concentration, and resilience.

Supporting student wellbeing and success

At its core, the building is about improving student wellbeing and academic performance. Research shows that learning in spaces with good air quality, natural light and comfortable temperatures can boost concentration and reduce stress – and every element of the Daphne Steele Building has been designed with this in mind.

The building also plays an important role in the wider community. Student-led clinics and outreach spaces connect the University with local people, helping to improve access to healthcare services while giving students valuable experience.

You can learn more about the Daphne Steele Building by visiting our project case study

Part of a wider vision

The building is the first phase of the NHIC, a masterplan developed in close partnership with the University of Huddersfield. More than a collection of buildings, the campus connects academia, the NHS and industry to address today’s healthcare challenges through collaboration, innovation and education.

Designed as a new civic gateway, the campus plays a key role in advancing community health and supporting the wider NHS strategy. It delivers innovative, flexible facilities that not only train the future NHS workforce but also provide valuable health and wellbeing services to the wider community.

Central to the vision is the University’s ambition to create a WELL campus, where every space – from teaching to clinical training to community care – is designed to promote health, wellbeing and sustainability.

Setting a benchmark for sustainable university design

As the first phase of the University’s National Health Innovation Campus, the Daphne Steele Building sets the tone for future developments, including the Emily Siddon Building, which will also target WELL Platinum certification.

Together, they represent a new standard for healthy, sustainable campus design.

We are proud to combine design expertise with deep knowledge of sustainability and wellbeing standards. From pioneering healthcare and education projects to future-focused workplaces and civic spaces, we continue to design buildings that not only perform – but also inspire, connect and improve lives.

You can visit our extensive project portfolio to discover how we are shaping the future of healthcare, education and innovation through transformative masterplans and buildings here.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is WELL Platinum certification?

WELL Platinum is the highest level of accreditation under the WELL Building Standard, a global framework for measuring how buildings support human health and wellbeing. It covers factors such as air quality, light, thermal comfort, materials, and community.

2. How does the building support student wellbeing?

The building has been designed to maximise natural light, fresh air and biophilic design features such as green walls and natural finishes. It also provides flexible learning spaces, clinical simulation suites, and community clinics that encourage collaboration, reduce stress, and support real-world learning.

3. What makes the Daphne Steele Building sustainable?

It operates on an all-electric strategy, using air source heat pumps, smart ventilation systems, and energy-efficient design to reduce carbon emissions. The project has also achieved BREEAM Excellent, alongside WELL Platinum.

4. What is the National Health Innovation Campus (NHIC)?

The Daphne Steele Building is the first phase of the NHIC – a masterplan that brings together the University of Huddersfield, the NHS, and industry. The campus is designed to boost healthcare training, research, and innovation, while promoting health, wellbeing and sustainability across all its buildings.