Case Studies
13. July 2022

University of Exeter

University of Exeter chooses bott for brand new engineering facility.

In early 2022, one of our resellers delivered a project to the University of Exeter, providing tools and equipment for an innovative new area for students to prototype their engineering ideas and skills. Through Drake Tooling & Abrasives Ltd, bott supplied and installed a range of workplace storage equipment for the new development.
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The University were looking to advance their engineering department by constructing a new 300m2 state-of-the-art facility to help students work collectively on projects. The essence of the development was to formulate and encourage a sense of creativity in the workspace, using innovative design and professional solutions. The Maker Space needed to easily accommodate up to sixty students, whilst establishing the freedom to move around and collaborate with others. 

After consultation with the bott team it was understood that flexibility in the space was paramount, therefore it was our challenge to create the perfect working environment to complement their wishes.

The Requirement

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We worked closely with the project designers to create the perfect area for students, filled with robust, professional grade equipment that is built to last. We provided the Maker Space with twenty eight heavy-duty cubio mobile benches where students could neatly store tools using Coplan’s custom foam tool solution, and twelve cubio mobile cabinets to store materials. Having mobility in both cabinets and benches enables movement throughout the workspace, creating a more fluid and streamline way of working. It also enables the space to be cleared of obstruction if the occasion arises where bigger projects need to take place. Furthermore, we supplied the facility with two adjustable height framework benches with suspended cabinets, perfectly designed for wheelchair use.

The Product

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Our benches weren’t only used in the Maker Space but also in the high tech Fabrication Laboratory or Fab-Lab for short, where students can design and construct tangible projects through state of the art 3D printing, 3D scanners and laser cutting facilities.

During the development of the department refit, deadlines were tight and needed to be kept that way. Project Manager Joanna Duffin took the opportunity to use our installation service to fit in with their strict time frame. Making the most of this service means that the University were able to schedule the installation for a time that suited them, leaving them free to deliver first-class education and continue working on the Maker Space without disruption.

Installation

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The University of Exeter wanted something a little different to help them stand out and represent the space as the clean and creative area it was designed to be. Our project management team worked closely with the designers and architects to create a truly custom workplace solution, through the use of colour. We coated the product in a bespoke colour choice exclusive to the university, using powder coating technology, enabling the Maker Space equipment to stand the test of time and stay looking fresh.

Custom Solution

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Joanna Duffin, Project Manager of the Maker Space said: “bott provided superb service; they were always available to discuss our requirements and no detail or issue was too much.  They were able to quickly suggest solutions when we faced challenges and were always ready to listen to our feedback. The benches supplied really do look amazing and enhance the look of the room.”

The Review

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Ergonomically designed, bott cubio is a comprehensive storage system suitable for the most demanding applications. The range covers drawer cabinets, cupboards, workbenches and mobile storage solutions and can also be integrated with the bott perfo storage system. The bott cubio products support higher load capacities, are Built to Last and benefit from a 10 year guarantee.