Loughborough University – DigiLab West – STEM Teaching Space

Background

Loughborough University’s DigiLab West, located in the West Park Teaching Hub, is a vital component of the £5.8 million STEM Teaching DigiLabs initiative, and is one of three new pioneering spaces at the university.

Built to support future-fit science, technology, engineering, and manufacturing (STEM) graduates, the lab houses robots, virtual reality (VR) headsets, a 3D immersive wall, GPU-powered workstations, a virtual bioreactor, and access to an undergraduate high-performance computing (HPC) service.

To fully bring this STEM learning infrastructure to life, Loughborough required technical furniture that would enhance hands-on work in robotics, AI, simulation and modelling, extended reality learning, and 3D data capture and motion. TOP‑TEC provided a full end to end service from design, visualisation, and manufacturing solution tailored to the rotunda’s unique form and function.

“The DigiLab installation was a particularly complex project due to the unique environment and functional demands of the space.

TOP-TEC worked closely with us throughout the process, designing, manufacturing, and installing the technical IT furniture that not only met our technical requirements but also aligned perfectly with our vision for the room.“

The results were outstanding, and their attention to detail and commitment to quality truly stood out.”

Aaron Turlington-Smith
AV Manager
Loughborough University

Project Brief

The DigiLab West space was introduced to encourage practical, hands-on learning using next-generation robotics platforms (such as QTrobot, Clearpath Jackal) alongside immersive display technologies.

The key challenge was installing functional workspaces within a circular teaching hub without traditional layout constraints.

Key project criteria:

- Align precisely with the curved architecture.
- Secure expensive high performance PCs whilst providing accessibility and access for maintenance. across campus into student and staff meeting areas
- Provide workstations that created a real “wow factor” for students using the DigiLabs space.

Decision Process

The DigiLab West space was introduced to encourage practical, hands-on learning using next-generation robotics platforms (such as QTrobot, Clearpath Jackal) alongside immersive display technologies.

The key challenge was installing functional workspaces within a circular teaching hub without traditional layout constraints.

Design, Visualise & Manufacture

TOP-TEC’s in-house UK design and manufacturing team worked closely with the university to deliver tailored furniture solutions, offering detailed 2D technical layouts to help map workstation positions around the rotunda and maximise the use out of the curved space.

We also provided a series of detailed 3D renders, enabling stakeholders to visualise the space and review the overall design and aesthetics before production could commence.

TOP-TEC provided carefully engineered workstations and accessories that supported the technical and educational requirements of DigiLab West:

How did we help?

Curved and angled bespoke desks

designed to fit the rotunda’s form, ensuring cohesion between architecture and function.

Effective cable management

Essential for the multiple robotics platforms, VR headsets, immersive screens, and GPU setups.

Secure PC enclosures

Manufactured to the specific PC from Loughborough University to ensure security and accessibility for maintenance.

Robust and secure furniture

With all manufacturing completed in the UK, guaranteeing high-quality oversight, durability, and a swift turnaround.

To further elevate the DigiLab experience, TOP-TEC incorporated integrated LED lighting directly into the custom furniture.

This innovative design element added a distinct “wow factor” to the space, visually reinforcing the lab’s high-tech identity and helping it stand out in line with the university’s ambitions. The LED lighting was discreetly embedded underneath the edge of the worktop within the workstations, creating a modern, ambient feel that helps accentuate the rotunda’s curved layout.

TOP-TEC designed and manufactured bespoke PC enclosures to ensure security and accessibility for maintenance. These PCs would be used to power robotics platforms, VR applications, and GPU-intensive simulations, representing a key part of the lab’s infrastructure and needed to be protected accordingly.

Each enclosure was built to safeguard the equipment from unauthorised access, tampering, or accidental damage, without compromising functionality. The units were fitted with lockable panels for physical security and integrated ventilation systems to ensure consistent airflow and thermal performance, even during extended high-demand use.

The Result

DigiLab West is now an impressive, purpose-built space tailored for student-led digital experimentation. The bespoke furniture aligns with the rotunda architecture, creating an intuitive environment in which learners can engage directly with industry-grade robotics, VR setups, and GPU-intensive tools.

Feedback from students and faculty has been exceptionally positive. The furniture supports seamless use of advanced technologies in a collaborative setting and the pre-installation visualisation helped decision-makers feel confident in the final layout.

TOP-TEC’s partnership with Loughborough University on DigiLab West demonstrates the transformative potential of bespoke technical furniture, British-made precision, and collaborative visual planning. By providing tailored workstations that accommodate both space and technology, we helped enable a cutting-edge learning environment where tomorrow’s STEM graduates can genuinely thrive.