New Project Management at MEL: The CoSTAR National Laboratory at Royal Holloway with LST Projects

The New CoStar* National Lab Virtual Production Studio at Royal Holloway 

We have just completed a large project at Royal Holloway, University of London (RHUL), working alongside LST Projects, the principal contractor, and the estate management team at the Royal Holloway. 

The project involved a significant electrical design and technology component converting a seminar room into a new studio space focusing on virtual production and experimental audio research. The electrical design and installation included relocating a virtual production screen, associated camera and computing equipment already owned by RHUL. MEL also supported the conversion of office spaces into a new gaming hub, production studio, and media arts teaching space.

All of this comes together to create the new CoStar* National Laboratory at the Royal Holloway (* convergent screen technologies and performance in real-time). This is a national initiative, funded by UK Research and Innovation, building a research lab to test applications (applied research) in advanced computing technologies in the creative sector. The lab provides researchers, companies and institutions across the UK with the infrastructure they need to conduct world-class research and development in screen and performance technology. These state-of-the-art facilities all go towards supporting the long-term competitiveness of the UK’s screen and performance sectors.  It is wonderful to see the Royal Holloway, one of the country’s leading teaching and research institutions, leading a partnership with two other universities, Pinewood Studios, the National Film and Television School, BT, and Disguise (a super-cool integrated technology business that provides the platform for live shows and virtual productions)  

Check out this introduction to the CoSTAR National Lab by Professor James Bennett at the Royal Holloway: 

https://youtu.be/GS1mHLeQsUQ 

And here is the R&D page on the Royal Holloway’s own site. 

And media interest in the audio-visual elements of the project. 

Project Management at Royal Holloway

The commercial electrical scope of works for MEL included the low voltage (LV) distribution, general power, general lighting and emergency lighting, including installation, testing and commissioning. We installed a new LV switchboard and distribution boards, and new cable containment and wiring, incorporated within the ceiling and wall acoustic materials. MEL also managed the sub-contractors appointed to install, test and commission the fire, intruder and disabled toilet alarm systems.

AV Distribution for the CoSTAR* National Lab in front of the MEL Distribution Board

Given the cutting-edge nature of the technology installed at the National Lab, it was unsurprising the project was hit with design issues to be resolved during the installation. Thankfully, the design problems were not caused by the MEL team but it certainly tested our project management skills co-ordinating the changes in contractor flow required to keep the project on track. Our background in facilities partnership helped ensure our team was part of the solution; minimising disruption, managing overall costs, and ensuring the end installation met the high standards desired for the client.

Ryan Ward, the senior electrician and MEL’s site supervisor, responsible for most of the day-to-day communication and problem-solving explained: 

“This job felt personal to me. I’m passionate about new technologies anyway and being part of the R&D culture at Royal Holloway was the dream job for me. It inspired me to make sure we delivered a really high standard of workmanship - fitting for a national research lab - in spite of some serious programme constraints. We had to be very fluid and flexible incorporating the unforeseen design issues and associated delays - mostly the result of installing these new technologies. Our work schedules required constant review and revisions to accommodate.” 

Perfect Coordination and Facilities Partnership 

Dave Searle, MEL Contracts Manager, acted as senior project manager working alongside LST Projects. Dave’s input was a key ingredient in the project management and facilities partnership, supporting the on-site team and delivering the project on budget for LST Projects and the Royal Holloway. 

Ryan Ward, MEL Site Supervisor, and Dave Searle, MEL Contracts Manager, on-site at Royal Holloway’s new CoSTAR National Laboratory 

Environmental Lighting Solutions

For Dave, one of the highlights was installing the Thorlux smart scan lighting system. This was the first time we had deployed the Thorlux system. We are constantly expanding our knowledge-base and experience recommending environmental lighting solutions to help large organisations manage their energy costs and carbon footprint. The system works so well it is now being deployed across the Royal Holloway site as each area is refurbished. 

It was great to see the finished product after overcoming the challenges that a project of this nature brings. It was a tight schedule and the pressure was on to deliver for LST Projects and the Royal Holloway. A real team effort demonstrated how MEL’s core values in going the extra mile can deliver a prestigious project and galvanise client relationships for the long term. For us, it doesn’t get any better than that. Well done to the team on a great job. 

Inspecting the finished result at the new CoSTAR National Laboratory