NetPark, Sedgefield

Project Overview

Awarded the competitive contract by Durham University to undertake the refurbishment of The Research Institute Building at NETPark. Overall, 28 rooms within the live and occupied building, underwent renovations in the spring of 2021, developing a much more advanced and desirable research environment.

 

Scope of Works

Initially, demolition/strip out works were carried out, including walls, rooms, fixtures and fittings and mechanical and electrical installations. The works were planned and managed to ensure that noise and dust were controlled and minimised enabling use of various rooms and facilities during the works. This included measures to ensure that zero dust infiltrated the optical labs/experiments that were being undertaken in part of the building whilst works were being carried out.

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On the ground floor, the main works were around the lobby and reception area, which were completely remodelled, refurbished and expanded into an adjacent room. The works involved the complete relocation of the glass automatic sliding doors and glass surrounds in order to create a more spacious and inviting reception and showcase/printing area. The creation of this reception and showcase/printing area meant that the entrance hall could fit an entire new reception area with additional spacing and seating. As part of this works and in other rooms the layouts were modified, so the works included the erection of stud walls, plastering, suspended floor and ceiling works, floor tiling, decoration, AV upgrades, M&E works, internal signage, etc

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Renovations to the first floor included the construction of the prototyping room and the war room. The rooms were formed, and others enlarged or reconfigured to suite the new building function. The war room features a glass wall and an intricately designed lathed ceiling. The commodious knowledge exchange zone was completely remodelled. This included the installation of feature lighting, floor tiles, furniture, cloak lockers, tables and the fitting of a 98” interactive digital screen.

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A new staff kitchen/mess area was created alongside a breakroom seating area. The other rooms and corridor on the first floor underwent works that included relevelling of the floor surfaces, floor tiles, carpeting, decoration, M&E works, installation of new lighting, shopfitting works, new doors & frames and the installation of fittings, furniture & blinds.

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The entire building incorporated wall art decoration throughout which was designed by the client and painted by specialist decorating contractors. The building was completed with new furniture and door access throughout the building, with door operators installed on key doors. Our trained fire door inspector visited the site to check and inspect the doors during and after installation to ensure that they were installed correctly and comply with regulations and required performance standards.

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Externally, a series of different works were actions to provide a fresh new look from the outside. This included the installation of cycle hoops, rendering, redecoration, new signage, roof repairs and some general maintenance/snagging. Landscaping works included the plantation of feature shrubs and decorative greenery to the front gardens of the building.

Overall, the high spec renovation works have now transformed the building into a state-of-the-art modern research institute centre providing premium and luxury offices with a contemporary atmosphere throughout.

 

End result

To conclude, the project was a success and excellent feedback has been received from the client, end users and design team. All works were completed to a high standard without any Health & Safety or environment accidents/issues.