Completion of the Immersion Lab at Oaklands College

Written By Lucy Lintott

We were delighted to contribute to the delivery of the impressive learning facility which includes a cutting-edge virtual reality lab that provides a fully immersive learning environment for students. The Immersion Lab at Oaklands College, St Albans.

The immersive lab forms part of a wider Masterplan to replace outdates buildings on the campus with several new structures.

The project features:

  • Glulam portal frame and timber infill panels

  • Acoustic-rated walls (53dB) and high-spec AV fit-out

  • MVHR system for energy efficiency.

  • Integrated immersive suits and VR lab.

Delivered safety and effectively in a live college environment, the project involved complex groundworks, value-engineered solutions, and close coordinated with AV and M&E contractors.

This impressive high-tech, future-ready facility brings together cutting edge virtual reality, immersive learning environments and sustainable construction to deliver a truly transformative experience for students.

A big thank you to all the project team for seamless coordination to bring this project to life,

Fusion Project Management, Saunders Boston Architects, Bullinger Holz&Bau, Mint Construction (Bedford) , Lee Murphy, Joe Hall and Eve Dennely.

What makes the structure unique?

This is a hybrid structure, incorporating:

  • Glulam timber frames and tapered columns

  • Timber beams and prefabricated timber panels and I joists for the main roof.

Sustainability:

  • To enhance sustainability, the architect proposed:

  • A Green roof

  • Solar panels installed on the roof.

Enjoyed/Challenges:

  • There were time constraints on this projects so all the elements of the structure had to be design and coordinated simultaneously.

  • We worked closely with G-Frame to ensure the proposed designs were feasible and aligned with their manufacturing and assembly capabilities, whilst addressing any foreseeable issues from the site.

  • We provided accurate measurements to ensure that Glulam components fit together without requiring modifications, as well as any errors that could lead to costly delays, rework or wasted materials.

We’re excited to see this cutting-edge educational facility come to life and support Oaklands College in shaping future learning environments.

Lucy Lintott
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