The University of Cambridge opt for a total lighting solution for the North Range Buildings (NRB) project, now known as the Student Service Centre

In 2014, the movie ‘The Theory of Everything’ which revisits the life of physicist Professor Stephen Hawking, was set and filmed at some of the University of Cambridge’s most iconic campuses, keeping the building’s history alive.

 

What are the North Range Buildings?

They form part of the university’s £200 Million investment plan to transform the New Museums Site (NMS) in the North of Cambridge. The project’s dual aim was to provide new and refurbished space for a student services centre and examination halls, whilst also being the second phase of a master plan to greatly improve the public realm of this important central site.

Munro Building Services were the appointed M&E contractors for the refurbishment of the existing Arts School as well as the Rayleigh and Cavendish Wings. They also worked on the construction of a new four-storey building to house the examination halls, a large atrium area and the new centralised Student Services Centre.

One of the key stakeholder requirements was to provide a flexible lighting system, that not only meets energy efficiency targets but also has controls. TRILUX Lighting worked with Munro to select the right luminaires to meet the design brief for the complete project, including the building’s surrounds, the main entrance and the special artwork within the link passageway.

Alan Buttress, Munro Contracts Manager, details, “initially we had specifications from various lighting suppliers. In opting to work with TRILUX we had a total lighting solution for the whole project- internal and external , from one manufacturer.

“As an electrical contractor that was invaluable and made life much simpler. One of the attractive things about working with TRILUX was that we could sit with them and the architect and agree on the right luminaire for each area of the scheme while TRILUX produced the designs, it was ideal."

“Furthermore, we were able to get high quality at exceptional value, saving the project a great deal of money in the process, which was vital to the success of the project. The result is fantastic and has been commented on by many of the universities end users.”

Deborah Griffith, Project Leader University of Cambridge Estate Management, concludes, “The University are really pleased with the way the new lighting complements both the refurbished areas and new buildings, providing a subtle stylish aesthetic with high functionality.”


Project Team

M&E contractor: Munro
Architect: Bennet’s Associates
Contractor: KierConstruction’s team
Lighting: TRILUX