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Next-generation bespoke joinery solutions
The federal University of London
Overbury
Purcell Architects
10 weeks
Queen Mary University of London is one of the UK’s leading research-focussed higher education institutions with more than 32,000 students enrolled and 4,500 members of staff. Its main campus site in Mile End is one of the largest self-contained residential campuses in the capital and the University Library, which sits adjacent to the main building, is a key part of the campus – providing a learning hub for all students. It is currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment to refresh the facilities and together with our partner company, Washroom Washroom, we’ve delivered several core elements of the project over two phases.
The use of oak throughout the project softens the building to give it a more contemporary look and feel while also tying different areas of the building together seamlessly. In the main workspace areas, we manufactured and installed bespoke oak cladding in a vertical slat design as well as ceiling cladding using the same oak slatted design directly above. Together the panels create an effective division between different banks of computers into smaller workstations and also helps to absorb some of the noise to aid concentration. The natural oak ceiling panels also include inset LED lighting above the desks.
We also used this same bespoke vertical slat oak wall cladding design within a number of other areas of the building including as part of the reception area where it contrasts with the crisp white marble reception desk which we also installed. Elsewhere, the bespoke curved seating pod we manufactured fits precisely into the curve of the window behind it to create a cosy reading nook or meeting space. The oak veneer panels under the seating tone in with the oak cladding seen throughout the project, while the deep blue fabric seating adds a splash of colour to the space.
In the refurbished washroom areas, the Washroom team installed bespoke trough style solid surface vanity units in white with wall-mounted taps above. The washrooms also feature full height floor to ceiling Marcato solid grade laminate toilet cubicles and Concerto integrated duct panelling both in the same fresh blue colour. Solid grade laminate is highly durable and easy to clean, making it ideal for use in a high traffic environment like this.
We’ve also recently finished work in the University’s largest building – the Francis Bancroft building, which is home to its Business and Management undergraduates. Again, we joined forces with Washroom to deliver this project which included revitalising the main reception area with a new feature wall design of solid oak slats to match those seen in the University Library combined with white MDF panelling. The Washroom team installed its Marcato changing cubicles and Forza lockers to complete the project.
