As part of Coventry University’s £160m redevelopment plan, a new sustainable building for the Faculty of Science and Nature was required to help revolutionise and motivate learning.

Using state of the art environmentally friendly technology, this complex building was designed to enhance the eco-system in the area. The iconic faculty building, designed by Arup Associates and built by VINCI Construction UK, is naturally ventilated and energy monitoring systems give building performance data, eg number of lights on, number of people in the building – useful for safety, emergencies and expenditure.

Spurlite worked with EMCOR Engineering Services Ltd in providing practical and efficient lighting solutions for this impressive building.

To provide energy efficient illumination to the many learning environments in the faculty building including workshop rooms, lecture theatres, breakout and circulation areas, in keeping with the building profile and the architect’s vision.

Spurlite Ltd was given the task to provide the lighting design and recommend relevant products for the building to meet the sustainability specification. The technical lighting design team at Spurlite developed a lighting scheme using 3D models and CAD drawings. Consideration was given to the functionality and performance of the luminaires to be used in all teaching spaces.

The solution consisted of a DALI control system which incorporates day-light link and presence detection to provide an eco solution. This was coupled with T5 fluorescent lamps and luminaires providing over 85% LOR performance with a 20,000 hour rated life.

By using the T5 lamps, Spurlite was able to reduce the quantity of luminaires outlined in the original specification, without affecting performance, thus saving the client money. The project was designed, manufactured and installed within all timescales and budget.

The emergency luminaires fitted are all equipped with the latest Emergency DALI interface and Self-Test module; this high specification system will constantly monitor all luminaires to aid in reducing and minimising maintenance costs. Spurlite was able to ensure an innovative cost effective approach for the university, as well as VINCI Construction, helping the faculty building to be appreciated both in the short and long term.

Feedback received from Spurlite's key client on this project, EMCOR Engineering Services Ltd, was extremely positive. Ben Davies, Project Manager for EMCOR, was extremely happy with all aspects of the project including delivery, after sales service and Spurlite's involvement in managing the project through all key stages.