Extended Reality Lab, Suffolk, England, English Art Gallery Building, Architect, New UK Property Photos
Extended Reality Lab in Suffolk, England
23 July 2023
Design: WindsorPatania
Location: Suffolk, England
Photos ©WindsorPatania, Mark Hadden Photography
Extended Reality Lab, England
Eastern Colleges Group approached WindsorPatania to design and deliver the Extended Reality Lab (XR Lab), an innovative educational space comprising four areas: an Immersion Lab, a Collaboration Theatre, a Green Room, and a Conference Room. The project has the ambition of creating a state-of-the-art educational facility that incorporates AI (Artificial Intelligence), Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality technologies for next generation teaching and learning in the East of England.
Contemporary Makeover
Hangar 02’s external appearance has undergone a remarkable transformation and is now a significant component of the overall project. Prior to the retrofitting, the building presented an outdated, light grey finish, and a large opening blocked by a roller shutter. Through extensive renovation efforts, the roller shutter was removed and replaced with a curtain wall to enhance the ingress of natural light into the hangar.
Pod-Shaped Design for Energy Efficiency
The XR Lab finds its home in Hangar 2, one of the 5 Hangars of the 7200 m2 STEM complex. This space was formerly used as a workshop by the students of engineering. To foster energy saving measures and to minimize the deployment of construction material, a pod-shaped design was chosen over utilizing the entire hangar space. The main benefit derived from the ability to contain thermal insulation solely to the size of the pod, which was in this way considered to be the primary thermal envelope, thus avoiding to thermally insulate and to thermally regulate the entire hangar.
Polished Plaster
The XR Lab is built with a steel structure that incorporates thermal and acoustic insulation. The exterior is finished with a high-spec polished plaster, resulting in an enigmatic sci-fi presence. This unique appearance is further enhanced by a 3D triangular mesh that creates a visual connection with virtual environments, resulting in a captivating and futuristic design that complements the cutting-edge technology inside the XR Lab.
Students Hub
The area surrounding the XR Lab boasts a versatile space, serving as a dynamic hub for students. Not only does it function as an exhibition gallery, but it also provides ample space for social interactions and serves as a breakout area for students. The glass walls and open doors of the pod provide a window into the activities occurring inside, promoting social interaction and collaboration opportunities. Events catered to varying age groups further enhance the space’s versatility, providing unique experiences for all. This dynamic environment fosters teamwork and social interaction, making it a vibrant and essential component of the STEM complex.
Extended Reality Lab in Suffolk, England – Building Information
Project name: Extended Reality Lab (XR Lab)
Architecture firm: WindsorPatania – https://windsorpatania.com/
Principal architect: Giovanni Patania
Project location: Suffolk, UK
Built area: 311 sqm
Site area: 722 sqm
Photography: Credit: ©WindsorPatania, Mark Hadden Photography
Visualization: 3DS Max, Vray
Tools used: Microstation
Design team: Giovanni Patania, Fares Issa
Collaborators: Giovanni Patania, Fares Issa
Interior design: WindsorPatania
Completion year: 2022
Structural engineer: Gawn Associates
Environmental & MEP engineering: G&G Design Services
Lighting: PHOS, Commercial Lighting
Construction: Coulson Building Group
Supervision: Fusion Project Management
Materials: Polish Paster, Steel Structure
Budget. 2 million (£)
Client: Eastern Colleges Group
Status: Completed
Typology: Education Facilities
Photographer: Credit: ©WindsorPatania, Mark Hadden Photography
Extended Reality Lab, Suffolk, England images / information received 230723
Location: Suffolk, south east England, UK
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