During one of our recent projects, we had the opportunity to work with the prestigious Loughborough University. Starting its journey in the early 1900s, this outstanding educational institution is nestled in the vibrant market town of Loughborough in Leicestershire.

Renowned for its exceptional academic performance, Loughborough University strives to create an empowering atmosphere that enables students to unlock their full potential. The campus and facilities are thoughtfully designed to foster a sense of inclusivity and belonging among both staff and students.

One particularly impressive area on campus is the West Park Teaching Hub, boasting state-of-the-art lecture theatres and conference facilities. It was here that our expertise was required. The existing building showed signs of wear and tear, necessitating the removal of the old paintwork and overall refurbishment. In addition, the university sought to update the building’s colour scheme to align with their distinctive brand identity.

The challenge presented to us was working with the existing dark blue colour scheme. However, we approached it with our expertise and professionalism, determined to transform the building into an aesthetic masterpiece. Selecting a 10-year coating system from Tor Coatings, known as Unicover S, we applied two captivating shades of purple. These colours, vibrant and unconventional, symbolise a spirit of creativity—an environment where imagination can flourish. Our skilled team also meticulously painted the doors, ensuring a cohesive and visually striking result and we also re-coated the handrails finishing off the look of the external façade.

Due to the deterioration of the existing coating, there was a lot of preparation work to carry out and once the surface was made good with all the loose paint removed, the panels were primed with Raincoat APA, before the application of the Tor Unicover S system.

At one elevation of the building the access was very narrow, but we managed to access by using a spider scissor lift. Our teams are trained to use this type of equipment, making sure that we are fully equipped and ready for challenges that are presented to us. Another elevation required scaffolding due to the ground conditions. We always take into consideration the environment we are working in to ensure that it is both safe and not affected by our work on site.

As we undertook this project, the campus hummed with activity, even during the half-term break. It was inspiring to witness the vitality that permeated the university, contributing to an atmosphere of energy and growth. We always work flexibly with our clients and try to avoid any disruption to the day to day activities on site. When working on education projects, where possible we work in holiday periods and at weekends to limit our time on site with students present.

It is projects like these that remind us why we are so passionate about what we do. We believe in the power of design and its ability to shape spaces that not only fulfill their functional purpose but also elevate the human experience. As we look to the future, we are excited to continue partnering with esteemed institutions like Loughborough University, contributing to the creation of spaces that spark creativity, promote learning, and inspire minds to reach new heights.

Upon completion of the project, the transformation of the building was truly breathtaking. The new colour scheme, with its vibrant purple hue, was nothing short of a visual masterpiece. Our team couldn’t help but feel a tremendous sense of pride and accomplishment in witnessing the remarkable end result.

Our work at Loughborough University was an exhilarating journey filled with challenges, creativity, and a deep understanding of the institution’s values. The newly rejuvenated West Park Teaching Hub now stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional results.