University of Sheffield – Refurbishment of Ella Armitage Building

The University of Sheffield is a world top-100 university renowned for the excellence, impact and distinctiveness of its research-led learning and teaching.

In 2018, J Tomlinson was appointed by the university to manage the refurbishment of the its Ella Armitage Building, formerly known as the Sheffield Bioincubator. Works would include the creation of new working and teaching spaces through the sub-division of existing rooms, installation of new doors and frames, as well as the relocation of gas pipework to accommodate the new laboratory spaces.

Managed by J Tomlinson, works spanned the first, second and third floors of the building, comprising the subdivision of existing rooms with glazed partitions and stud walls, adaptation of existing ventilation, power and lighting, and the replacement of existing finishes. LED lighting was also implemented to help maintain the university’s dedicated approach to reducing its carbon emissions.

Specialist laboratory and gas works

Works to the second and third floor laboratories entailed strip-out of the natural gas pipework from each benchtop gas tap station and capping off the solenoid valve and emergency stops, which were retained for future use.

J Tomlinson reconfigured the laboratory floor layouts and redirected the gas pipework to feed into the existing and new labs. We also relocated and installed new gas detection systems, which were tested to ensure quality compliance prior to commissioning.

Throughout the project, we worked closely with the client’s chosen independent laboratory gas specialist, Roses Medical Limited, whom underwent specialist site inductions prior to commencing work on site.

Achieving minimal disruption within a live university environment

Working within live research facilities, J Tomlinson’s approach was tailored to minimising disruption to staff, students and visitors, as well as overcoming site constraints associated with the building’s high-profile location. This was achieved through phased working, meticulous site management and J Tomlinson’s own extensive experience in successfully delivering refurbishment projects within live educational environments.

Smooth, BCGA-compliant handover

For all piped laboratory works, J Tomlinson managed the quality compliance and completion process on behalf of the University, ensuring these works were designed, installed and tested in line with pressure equipment regulations, pressure system safety regulations, as well as British Compressed Gases Association codes of practice, CP4 (industrial gas cylinder manifolds and gas distribution pipework (excluding acetylene) and CP30 (the safe use of liquid nitrogen dewars up to 50 litres).

• HIGH-QUALITY FINISH - the project was delivered to a high standard, with J Tomlinson receiving commendation from the university for our considerate and flexible approach

• MINIMAL DISRUPTION -Working within live research facilities and in a high-profile location, J Tomlinson’s ensured minimal disruption to staff, students and visitors, through phased working, meticulous site management, and regular communication with the wider project team

• FUTURE-PROOFING - the comprehensive modernisation of the Ella Armitage building’s teaching, office and laboratory spaces has significantly enhanced the facilities for energy researchers, helping the university plan for the future

• ENSURING BGCA COMPLIANCE - J Tomlinson managed the quality compliance and completion process on behalf of the University, ensuring all piped laboratory works were designed, installed and tested in line with pressure equipment regulations, pressure system safety regulations, as well as British Compressed Gases Association codes of practice, CP4 and CP30