University challenged         (Industrie)

The University of Warwick knows a thing or two about research given its "Russell Group" membership of the UK's top 20 research-intensive institutions. No surprise then that it enlisted the expertise of temporary structure specialist De Boer while undergoing a multimillion pound campus refurbishment. Bethany Hutton-Stigga  13 Oct'09

The key challenge for all concerned was to minimise disruption to lectures and maintain the university's lucrative external events while the building work continued.

Brackley-based De Boer responded by providing vital temporary accommodation solutions. The company erected a semi-permanent multi-function event hall, complete with outside decking, reception area, toilets, kitchen and storage areas covering around 2,000 square metres. The facility was in place throughout this summer’s refurbishment programme and has just been removed after successfully completing its task.

De Boer used one of its versatile 30-metre-by-50-metre Jumbo Hall structures forming a bespoke atrium with fully insulated walls and roof and a temperature-controlled heating system. Linked to the atrium were two 6-metre-by-6-metre chalets with decking, creating an impressive entrance.

Three Alu Halls, each measuring 8 metres by 15 metres, provided ancillary buildings for kitchen, toilets and storage. De Boer’s team also constructed a pedestrian footpath and temporary roadway.

The build process lasted only six weeks paving the way for the university's prolific events roster. This kicked off with a four-day conference hosted by Tates Ltd, which owns Spar convenience stores. A series of exhibitions and conferences followed.

De Boer had previously supplied 2,300 square metres of structures on the same site for a temporary Students’ Union facility while the students’ permanent building underwent refurbishment last year.

What they said:


“The major challenge was to construct such a large structure on a fairly steep gradient but we managed to get over this difficulty by erecting over 1,800 square metres of scaffolding creating a stable sub-base. The main area was very eco-friendly with a temperature-controlled heating system and fully insulated panels which also helped with the acoustics – a perfect venue for any event.”                                                      Toby Bennett, De Boer sales manager

“De Boer can always be counted on to rise to the challenge of a complex brief, and with the dynamic and ever-changing needs of a 13-week conference and exhibition programme, the structures and the service from De Boer more than met the challenge to provide the right accommodation for our activities.”                                        Darren Walter, Warwick University, commercial development manager.

Related screenings:

Academic Venues Show        De Boer festivals            Brunel Uni & Blackout

RK  _________________________________________