Quantum Laboratories, Imperial College London

Architect: BSG Architects
Quantity Surveyor: Mortimer Isaacs Consultancy LLP
Location: London
Duration: 31 weeks

About This Research and Development Project

This project aimed to create a set of updated quantum technology laboratories for the College. The renovation work was carried out next to very sensitive research areas and was spread across multiple floors. The project included a new integrated optics laboratory, optomechanics lab, preparation/control lab and a dilation refrigeration room.

The challenging task involved working in an occupied College and dealing with noise and reverberation limitations. Additionally, there were logistical issues with access to two sub-basements and working alongside other contractors in the same building.

The client’s design team developed the project to RIBA stage 3A. After our appointment, we took over the project under the supervision of our Senior Contract Manager. Our structural, architectural and M&E teams worked together to ensure an achievable and aspirational design for the client.

The project required extreme accuracy to develop the design from the tender stage. The limited space to accommodate the laser laboratories, new data cabinets, plant and storage rooms made this challenging. Our design team collaborated closely with the client, project team and end-users to ensure a seamless design.

We formed a new steel frame complete with a concrete mezzanine floor at level zero, considering procurement time frames and logistical difficulties in bringing in the equipment from the external ground level to the two sub-basements.

The mezzanine floor was also modified to include a new plant and equipment storeroom. Intrusive surveys were undertaken after the existing M&E services were removed, which revealed a deficiency in the existing steel frame floor construction. A new design was proposed to strengthen the steel members with new steel beams. Our delivery team under the supervision of our Senior Contract Manager spearheaded this ingenuity.

Other Projects Completed Include:

H1 Facilities

Client feedback

In a nutshell, the end users and I are very happy with this first class facility. The Logan Construction team delivered fit for purpose, highly serviced Physics research laboratories set over two floors to a very high standard. I would rate as one of the best refurbishments in the Department of Physics in the last decade. The end users and I are extremely satisfied with the end result and we have a Quantum Technologies laboratory facility to be proud of. I was particularly impressed by the high quality finish and fully coordinated mechanical and electrical installations that was so needed for space. The Logan site team including subcontractors and design team worked very closely and collaboratively throughout the project to achieve all deliverables. It was a challenging project especially during term time with the site in close proximity to a live lecture theatre and Laser laboratories. I was impressed by the Logan site team approach to design challenges and incorporating innovative solutions. A productive lessons learned workshop was also undertaken post completion. Finally, I would like to extend a genuine thank you to all of the Logan Quantum Technologies team in particular Colin Hart and Marc Terry who were indispensable and professional throughout the project and an absolute pleasure to work with.
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Doug Hudson, Faculty of Natural Sciences
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