Refurbishment of Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Approach

Stage one included striping out of existing M&E services ready for alterations and additions. A number of meeting rooms were demolished. All waste was removed via euro bins, and goods were lifted to the skip in our site compound. Due to the short nature of the contract and the relatively open space we were working in, reconfiguration using jumbo studs and glazed partitions began prior to the completion of all demolitions.

The scope was to form five areas plus storage for Post Graduate and Undergraduate teaching, as well as administrative support. These comprised a shared open study space, 3D print room, workshop and associated storage.

The project included specialist joinery-made teaching walls to provide group workspaces within the larger undergraduate teaching space so that the room could be used for both large lectures as well as smaller group-based tutorial-type sessions. The 7nr. teaching walls included fold-out whiteboards, pinboards, and touch screens for students to plug laptops in too. The initial design was built by our selected workshop prior to a number of meetings with project stakeholders, including the final one at our supplier's workshop, to develop the design sufficiently to a user-friendly solution.

The project also involved the formation of 6nr. group study pods manufactured on-site, including the use of acoustic foam within the padded upholstered walls and ceilings to provide sound-deadening qualities when several users work in the area side by side. During the strip out, some joinery was salvaged for the refit, and additional joinery was made to match salvaged/existing.

The existing heating system was reconfigured to suit the new space, and new ventilation was installed prior to new lighting and acoustic ceiling rafts being installed on the ceilings. Works also included alterations and additional data, as well as power, fire, and intruder alarm works.

So as not to disturb the adjacent floors mentioned previously, all fixings and works that caused vibration took place outside of normal working hours. The space was completed with a full redecoration and vinyl/carpet floor coverings throughout. Store rooms were fitted out with racking. The university procured furniture directly, while the department procured work benches, storage walls, and reception desks from a former student who recently set up his own business after successfully completing his degree with them through our contract.

Stage two of the project started approx. 4 weeks into the programme and included a light touch refurb to a large office space, adjoining reception area and 5nr. meeting rooms.