
The School of Physics, Engineering, and Computer Science (SPECS) is the latest addition to the University of Hertfordshire’s College Lane Campus, offering a dynamic environment featuring workshops, laboratories, and adaptable teaching and learning spaces designed to inspire and engage the next generations of engineers, computer scientists, mathematicians, and physicists.
Showcase PSR were pleased to be invited to participate in the new build project from its early stages by Morgan Sindall and be appointed through a competitive tendering process. While Morgan Sindall managed the project from start to finish, the University was eager to involve Showcase PSR’s expertise from the outset to ensure that the furniture selections were in line with the contractors’ vision.”
Having previously collaborated with the University, Showcase PSR was thrilled to secure the Tender win and further strengthen their ongoing relationship.
Scope & Services
Building on the success of their work with the University’s Enterprise Hub, Showcase PSR took on the intricate task of designing and furnishing the University’s SPECS Building. The goal was to create a high-quality, durable, and visually cohesive environment that mirrored the faculty’s commitment to advanced technology and pioneering research.
From product consultation and budget management to delivery and installation across five floors, Showcase PSR managed each aspect of the project, carefully curating furniture for laboratories, offices, classrooms, and communal areas. Collaborating closely with the University, architects, and contractors, they selected pieces that would provide functionality, aesthetic consistency, and adaptability.
The selection process began with showroom tours to ensure every product aligned with the building’s vision: hybrid furnishings for office spaces, fixed items for labs, and flexible pieces in teaching areas to accommodate evolving needs. The planning was brought to life through 3D renderings and Revit models, which highlighted the building’s striking glass façade and industrial features, from the perforated metal, to the expansive oak flooring that infuse the space with natural light and an open, collaborative feel.
Each floor was designed to reflect the distinctive identity of its department, unified by a modern aesthetic. Communal spaces featured vibrant yellow and orange lounge chairs that warmed in the natural light, complemented by light grey and red stools and black-framed accents. Bespoke booths with varied cushion colours and tabletops enhanced visual interest, fostering engagement and comfort across the collaborative zones.
With its refined, industrial design and department-specific details, the SPECS Building has become an emblem of the University’s forward-thinking ethos. Distinctive features, like the custom meeting pods throughout, underscore the facility’s dedication to collaboration and innovation in an inspiring, modern setting.
Community Outreach & Sustainability
Serving as a transformative resource for the community by creating opportunities in education, collaboration, and innovation that extend beyond the university, the SPECS project was one dedicated to its Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) values. Throughout the project, sustainability was a central focus, with the majority of products sourced from UK manufacturers to minimise the carbon footprint and to support local industry.
To align with the client’s goal of achieving a Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology (BREEAM) ‘Excellent’ rating, Showcase PSR full ensured full compliance with strict sustainability standards. Each item was carefully selected to meet the environmental criteria outlined in the project brief.
Beyond sustainable sourcing, Showcase PSR extended the project’s community outreach by providing the Project Manager with furniture to donate to a local school.
Success Points
The hub has generated £30 million in local economic value. Our strategic product selection maximised the budget, prioritising task chairs and pods to ensure high quality in key areas. The client trusted our approach, resulting in excellent products that stayed within budget, and highlighting our expertise in the education sector.
The SPECS Building is a resounding success, merging cutting-edge design with practical, user-focused spaces that will benefit end-users for years to come, navigating through the industrious and ever-changing world of STEM. With flexible workspaces and collaborative hubs, it creates an inspiring environment fit for innovation, driving forward the community’s mission.
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