Multi-compartment trunking from Unitrunk is being used to provide the new data and electrical cabling infrastructure for an upgrade to the library at Coventry University.
Designed by Birmingham-based practice, Associated Architects, the £2.1 million library upgrade includes a new entrance, reception and café for the library, along with refurbishment of some of the study areas. To enable the library to remain open for use throughout the project, the electrical installation will be delivered in two phases, with the new build elements due to complete in June and the phase II refurbishment programme due for handover in August.
Unitrunk’s trunking has been used in two sizes to connect all electrical, LV and data services from the existing risers in the newly constructed and refurbished areas. All the trunking is being installed in the ceiling void and power and lighting cables will be installed in one compartment, while the other compartment will be used to contain data, fire alarm and LV cabling.
The electrical installation is being carried out by Whittaker Brothers, who are working closely with the university and the other delivery partners on the project to manage the challenges of an occupied building and temporary access, particularly during the busy exam season as Phase I nears completion.
Kevin Rollason from Whittaker Brothers commented, “Multi-compartment trunking is an obvious choice for a complex project like this, where new build and refurbishment is being carried out in a live library environment. It means that we can install all the infrastructure for the cabling on a single type of containment, saving time to ensure the project is fully completed on schedule, ready for the new academic year in the autumn.”
