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Surveying Dunelm House – home of the Durham Univerity Students' Union (DSU)
Dunelm House: Why a Precise 3D Survey Was Needed
Dunelm House (1966) is Durham University’s well-known students’ union building. Designed in the post-war modernist style, it sits directly on the steep banks of the River Wear and is connected to the equally iconic Kingsgate Bridge.
The structure is characterized by exposed concrete, terraced floor levels, and a multi-angled, irregular roofscape that follows the natural slope of the riverbank. This bold design makes Dunelm House architecturally significant – and challenging to measure.
When leaks appeared across several roof areas, a detailed digital survey was needed to document the current condition and guide the renovation.
The Challenge: Complex Roof and Difficult Site Conditions
Dunelm House’s roof consists of intersecting levels, changing slopes, and unconventional angles. Combined with its sloping riverside location, this makes traditional measurement methods unreliable and slow.
To capture the structure accurately and efficiently, the project required a modern surveying approach capable of documenting every plane and surface with precision.
How the Survey Was Completed: Laser Scanning + GPS
The survey was carried out by Bury Associates Ltd using two FARO Focus3D laser scanners. To record the terrain and ensure accurate referencing across the entire site, the team also used total stations and GPS equipment.
This hybrid surveying method made it possible to capture:
- the full exterior geometry of Dunelm House,
- its complex multi-level roof structures,
- and high-precision topographic context along the River Wear.
The result was a detailed point cloud covering the entire building and its surroundings.
From Point Cloud to Plans: Deliverables in Four Days
After the scanning process, the data was processed using PointCab Origins, enabling the team to deliver complete documentation in just four days.
The deliverables included:
- orthophotos,
- 2D floor plans,
- sections and elevations,
- and a full 3D model.
These outputs provided architects and engineers with a clear and accurate foundation for analysing the leaking roof and planning the renovation work.
How the Digital Survey Supports the Renovation Process
The Dunelm House project highlights the value of combining 3D laser scanning with efficient point cloud processing. Even buildings with complex shapes and challenging site conditions can be captured quickly and precisely.
By using FARO scanning technology, survey instruments, and PointCab Origins for evaluation, the renovation team gained a reliable digital basis to move forward — ensuring that Dunelm House, a distinctive part of Durham’s architectural landscape, can be repaired and preserved with confidence.
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