UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER – NEW CAVENDISH STREET CAMPUS

Alcema were appointed by the University of Westminster Team in May 2019, to carry out and complete a full design and build for the refurbishment of the existing science research laboratory located on the 4th fourth floor New Cavendish campus location.

Covering 380 sq mtrs the project included the installation of a new research facility and the creation of two new high-tech learning lecture theatres using the latest technology and AV solutions.

As well as refurbishment of the large research laboratory our team also reconfigured redundant office space located on the 1st Floor of the Copland Building. Converting the area into two lecture rooms, again utilising the latest high–tech AV lecturing/teaching facilities.

This included the full demolition and removal of the existing fixtures and fittings and the removal of all of the internal party walls and partitions, to create one large laboratory space.

A fully upgraded mechanical and electrical scheme was implemented, with major alterations and installations.

We also located a new packaged AHU which was craned up onto the roof 15 storeys from ground level. This included Dali-controlled lighting systems, dedicated mains cold water and mains gas services and chemical resistant drainage to each research area. The whole Laboratory area was also fitted with the latest AV and Comms infrastructure etc. The new Laboratory research space now benefits from a 2No newly installed FUME AIR laboratory cabinets which vent out through the existing services riser and then out through a newly installed stainless steel 16M flue.

‘AA Projects’, the client’s designers, chose to make the best use of the existing combined redundant office and laboratory space by creating a stunning research laboratory facility for both the UOW academic team and their students. The designers chose traditional robust laboratory benching and cabinets for the research teams that will use the space and cove formed sheet vinyl to the flooring. All of the windows received new blinds and the UOW procurement team have enhanced and maximised the space with new FFE and state of the art testing equipment and hardware.

The redundant existing Copland Building office space was converted into the latest state of the art teaching facilities. Works included a full soft strip and demolition of the existing partition walls, ceiling rafts, the removal of the old HVAC system to all areas was removed along with all of the floor finishes.

The two newly created lecture rooms received a full mechanical and electrical system, including HVAC, plant, fire alarm lighting and small power. Both rooms received new flooring and decoration throughout, with the existing concrete soffits being sprayed out black once the first fix M&E had been installed.

A fully interactive AV and Comms infrastructure etc, was then installed in both lecture rooms. With interactive white boards, 90” AV screens and visual tracking/movement sensors for the lecturing staff, the rooms were finished with contemporary and bright furniture, fixtures and equipment.

All the works were undertaken during the summer shutdown period and completed before the students returned for the new term.

The campus continues to utilise all of their space during this period for overseas students, therefore our team had to factor in the challenges of live phased working in such a restricted environment.

The project truly surprised the UoW academics how well their tired, old space has been transformed into a state of the art research facility.

Alcema has worked on a number of projects at the University of Westminster and it has been a pleasure to work with the team again and all of those involved in this particular project.