University of Plymouth – Exeter Campus

The brief

The brief was to create a bespoke, modular lecture theatre.

The challenges

The building had to meet DDA regulations.

The solution

Thurston delivered a single storey, multi-function lecture theatre with a 25-year building warranty for 150 students.  The building consists of an open-plan lecture space, with a 2.8m internal height.

There is also an option to segregate the large space into three separate smaller rooms, via an acoustic retractable partition, with multiple separate entrances and fire exits to each lecture theatre space providing total flexibility.

Internally, Thurston provided a full LED lighting control system, supporting a range of interactive whiteboards and specialist AV equipment with electric operated blackout blinds on the windows.

Externally, the project included removing a temporary facility and previous sub-structure. Thurston also added all new foundations, utility services, an access ramp, footpaths and car park areas with external landscaping and drainage.

Due to planning conditions and a rural setting, the exterior walls were clad in a specialist cedar paneling with glass entrance canopies and barriers, ensuring all DDA regulations were met.

The building also features grey aluminum windows and doors, with barrier matting on each of the entrances, and carpeted floor to the client’s bespoke pattern.

Professor Wilkinson-Brice, Faculty of Health and Human said: “It’s been wonderful to meet the students and see the excellent new facility located in Exeter. The Exeter School of Nursing means that we can now provide a local opportunity for local people to start an exciting, valued career in nursing.” 

Professor Judith Petts CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Plymouth said: “The University of Plymouth is proud of its longstanding, successful history of nursing education, accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Working in partnership with healthcare providers over the past 20 years, it has helped to develop a workforce across the region and beyond. We’re delighted that The Exeter School of Nursing is strengthening that provision.”