The University of Huddersfield’s School of Computing and Engineering sought the help of Lodestone Projects to reconfigure an existing multipurpose space on the fourth floor of its Haslett Building.
We were tasked with completing the project – creating an open plan and flexible space, to allow students to undertake practical learning during term time. The works comprised the full strip out of the existing space and the introduction of a new range of services – and all while adjacent areas remained fully live. Including finishes, glazed screens and structural alterations, the transformation featured various sectional completions and phases.
One of the key challenges during this project related to the structural works. We were tasked with thickening the structural timber beams under the raised access floor (and above live, operational areas) to provide greater structural stability via new beams. Due to the historic and irregular nature of the existing beams, each new beam had to be individually shaped and scribed to follow the profile of the one below it.
Lodestone engaged our directly employed carpenters to scrupulously undertake this work, collaborating closely with Arc Engineers to complete near-daily inspections, alongside site manager, Mike King, and our lead joiner. All structural works were successfully undertaken, within the original programme and to the satisfaction of Arc and the University.
The other key challenge was undertaking these works above the school’s live optics lab, an area extremely sensitive to noise and dust. We worked closely with the lab team, therefore, to agree dust management and protection procedures, such as tenting, and setting project timescales.
The work was carried out minus any disruption, complaints or downtime for the University.
The project was delivered on time and on budget.
The various structural alterations were incorporated, and the quality of installation was praised by the entire team. There was no disruption to the live optics lab or any other live area surrounding the construction site.