case studies

• iPad control
• RGBW strip lighting
• Evoson Peaksound cabinet speakers
• Large-scale wall projectors
• Projection painted wall
• IP-rated audio
• Induction loop system 
• High-spec large scale hanging speakers
• Mic system
• Sub-racks
• Bluetooth and AUX inputs 

The University of Portsmouth were looking for cutting-edge audio, lighting, visual, and connectivity solutions for its state-of-the-art Ravelin Sports Centre, and Hutchison Technologies was on hand to deliver. Our team worked with construction experts Wates to develop the technologies and designs that fit the bill, resulting in one of the most spectacular higher education fitness facilities in the UK.

While we were originally brought on board to tackle the integration of wall-mounted speakers and below-ceiling perimeter lighting across the facility, the evolving nature of the project led to us delivering multiple bespoke AV solutions for their various studios, gym hall and pool facilities. First up; two adjoining fitness studios host regular group workouts of varying intensity, run by both live instructors and virtual Les Mills classes. An automated partition divides or combines these two spaces to create the right size venue for the class or event running at any one time.

We designed and integrated a control system accessible through user-friendly studio iPads, granting direct control over the visual content, lighting and audio in the class.

Because we installed all the AV, from the RGB strip lighting and end-to-end wall projectors, the instructor input sources and studio Evoson Peaksound cabinet speakers, we were able to provide complete control over the atmosphere in the space. We set up some pre-programmed custom settings for instructors to pick and choose from, but they can also use the iPad control panel to finetune the experience for their members.

In the larger, separate cycle studio, we provided a dual projection system with two large-scale projectors displaying class content onto the projection-painted back wall. We built a custom instructor podium at the centre of these two displays with movable iPad control for the instructor. A secondary wall-mounted iPad provides the same control functions as in the previous two fitness studios.

We also integrated some impactful feature lighting within the wood-panelled ceiling and beside the screens, in the form of RGBW tape which can be controlled alongside the main house lighting. These strips can be used independently from the rest of the studio or using sequences programmed remotely by our Technical Development team.

Ravelin Sports Centre at the University of Portsmouth has a large swimming pool for recreation, classes, and training sessions for which our team provided audio solutions to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and accessible experience. We installed a fully recessed IP-rated audio system behind the modern wood-slat ceiling, creating a well-camouflaged solutions that projects audio and protects the speakers from the high humidity.

Our team also installed an induction loop system in the viewing gallery of the pool, providing hearing assistance to hearing-impaired spectators. We installed a smaller sub-rack in a separate office to house local controllers and a mic system for the pool facilities. This means managers can switch between playing music from a local source, setting up microphones for events, and playing background music during recreational swim time, quickly and easily. Finally, on the top floor of the building, there is the main multi-functional sports hall where the university sports teams and clubs meet to train. Split into 2 main functional zones, our team integrated 15 high-spec, large speakers suspended above the court ceiling.

These were designed and positioned to minimise echo within the facility, while maximising sound coverage across the space. Here too, our team built a sub-rack for local Bluetooth and AUX inputs which staff can use these to switch between standard background music, a local source, or microphones.

To maximise the effect of all the tech integrations in this facility, our team collaborated closely with the University of Portsmouth and Wates teams. The integration of the recessed ceiling lighting in the studios proved to be the most challenging integration.

Thankfully we love a challenge, and designed the specific solution that could accommodate the modern timber-clad ceiling and fit around the existing systems, hidden from the naked eye.

The result is an impressive, modern facility that provides members with seamless fitness and wellbeing experiences both for recreation and training. We continue to maintain a strong relationship with the University, providing regular maintenance checks and responsive support.