Spaceway GBP1.5m contract from Coopervision

Spaceway, a leading UK provider of integrated interior space solutions, has turned CooperVision building into an eye-catching, state-of-the-art facility.

Faced with the mammoth task of upgrading its European Research and Development building in Chandlers Ford, Hampshire into a modern facility that reflected the pioneering philosophy of the world's third largest contact lens maker in the world, CooperVision turned to the Spaceway Group.

Now following the winning of the GBP1.5M contract, Spaceway, a leading UK provider of integrated interior space solutions, has turned the structure into an eye-catching, state-of-the-art facility.

Already aware of Spaceway's reputation for technical ability, project management skills and design capabilities following the fitout of its distribution centre by the company in 2007, CooperVision had no hesitation in awarding Spaceway the contract for this large and important project.

With design work completed by Spaceway's design team, work began to turn the inside and outside of the building into a prestigious resource.

Spaceway began the renovation work by recladding the 1970's building.

New powder coated aluminium windows were fitted and new fire doors, front door and disabled ramp installed to bring the building up to standard.

The car park was relined and new outside lighting installed.

The flat roof was made water tight with a liquid membrane and the existing gutters relined with membrane paint.

Finally, an old brick outhouse was demolished and an external chemical store bunged for spillages to meet IBC regulations.

With the outside work completed, Spaceway turned its attention to converting the 8,000-metre building into a state-of-the-art facility comprising of one-third offices and two-thirds laboratories, clean rooms and storage.

After gutting the building, Spaceway began the fitout by creating a new reception area with new ceiling, Komfort Komfire partitioning and logo embossed vision panel doors.

Access control was fitted on doors and new lighting installed.

Spaceway's Furniture Division completed the makeover with the addition of comfortable leather sofas.

Two multi-purpose boardrooms were created using a folding sliding operable wall that enables the rooms to be divided or enlarged as necessary.

Media walls were installed in both rooms and boardroom tables and seating supplied.

Cloakrooms were created with showers and disabled toilets, basins with vanity units and concealed hung panel systems in wood veneer.

To maximise space on the first floor, the computer room was moved to the ground floor and a new room created using Komfort partitioning which was then fitted with lighting and air conditioning.

Then to optimise office accommodation for directors, senior managers, the Vice President and administrative staff, Spaceway created six modular offices and a general office using suspended ceiling and Komfort partitioning.

The offices were fitted with storage walls and the floors covered with Millicom carpet.

As a means of reducing fuel costs, light panels were installed to defuse light from the roof to create natural light.

The installation of air conditioning, new desking and seating completed this part of the fitout.

Turning its efforts to the laboratory, clean room and storage areas, Spaceway refurbished the existing laboratories with new ceilings, floors, lighting and trunking and reconfigured the laboratories to create an improved working environment.

Cleanrooms were installed to Class 8 using Komfort C64 and CX steel cleanroom partitioning.

The CX wall system allows flexibility to conceal ductwork within the thickness of the partition.

Walk-on-ceilings have been fitted so that plant, located above the ceiling, can be maintained.

Following the installation of plumbing and sinks, Spaceway arranged for easy and flexible access to services such as compressed air, chilled water, DI water and gases by hanging these from the ceilings.

Finally rapid roll doors were installed for easy access of machines and plant.

To complete the project, Spaceway fitted a new compressor into the plant rooms and installed two 400-amp busbars into the cleanroom.

"Visitors now comment on the building, which speaks volumes", said Neil Goodenough, Director of Research and Development at CooperVision.

"The work carried out by Spaceway was completed to a very high standard and has created a pleasant and practical working environment with a feel-good factor".

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