University of London, Sebastian Street Law School

  • Client

    City, University of London

  • Contractor

  • Value

    £49.5m

  • Completion Date

    September 2020 

Procurement Type: Two stage
Form of Contract: JCT 2016 Design and Build
Contract Period: 161 weeks
Size: 7,267m2

BAM has developed a landmark property for City University, which incorporates a striking combination of new and existing structures. The project was procured through SCF Construct and consists of a tower block with an innovative twin screen printed façade, new attached blocks and existing structures incorporated into a single building. Scope includes a double basement, ground and six upper floors, including the extension and refurbishment of the existing Goswell and Myddleton buildings.

An atrium connects the collection of buildings, containing a cafe and circulation space. A new external courtyard has been created between the building and adjacent residential properties. BAM extended the existing basement to provide lecture/ conference space.

The Challenge

Site Constraints / Logistics This was a logistically challenging project, situated on a restricted site and bounded by residential properties, including Grade II listed buildings. Sebastian Street also lies within the Northampton Square Conservation area.

Cladding design – The concept design comprised a twin walled flue design to achieve the desired architectural look. Technically this presented a challenge as it did not align with the M&E strategy, this issue required quick resolution to maintain programme.

Archaeology – archaeological dig required to ensure the preservation of the rich local history.

The Solution

Site Constraints / Logistics – Bounded by residential neighbours and building within a conservation area required sensitively managing in order to maintain good relations and minimise the impacts of construction works. We achieved exactly this through regular resident forums and good communication. CCS score of 42/50.

With regards to site and design complexities, the use of digital technologies / BIM aided design coordination, spatial fit of retained structures and condition / cloud surveys.

Cladding design – To overcome the technical issues and align with the buildings M&E strategy we collaborated with specialist supply chain partners Skonto and Schuco to design an alternative cladding solution based on a twin walled unitised system.

Archaeology– Prior to construction starting, City collaborated with Museum of London Archaeology. During the excavation, artefacts dating back to the pre-Bronze Age era were found, in addition to remnants of a Civil War fort, trenches, glazed pottery and tokens from the 1640s.

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The Results

The final results are outstanding, Clients expectations exceeded is testament to the teams unified approach to managing the many complex and unforeseen challenges, in particular delivering this facility in London during the height of the pandemic.

13

Apprentices

£36m

SME Spend

£1.98m

Added Value

9/10

Client Satisfaction

Client Testimonials

‘I cannot thank you all enough for what you have done …to deliver such a fantastic building that we are so proud to call ours. Every one of you, both on site and behind the scenes, have been a pleasure to work with for the past 3 years. Without your commitment and hard work it wouldn’t be the building it is, exceeding my expectations. Thank you all so much’

‘BAM, our principle contractor, has brought our vision for the building to reality by transforming the old site and two existing historic buildings. They have worked excellently throughout the construction phase and I am looking forward to the building coming to life.’ [Feb 2020]

Contractor Performance | Commitments

Sustainability

The project achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating attributable to the low carbon design and sustainable services installations all contributing to a reduction in City’s carbon emissions.

Sustainable features:

Photovoltaic system on roof areas

Centralised lighting control system throughout the law school

Primary ground source heat pump system

Energy Efficient lighting

Rainwater harvesting

98% Waste diverted from landfill –

100% timber sustainably sourced

56 Environmental Toolbox Talks

Contaminated ground was remediated

Legacy

493 apprenticeship weeks

Work experience placements and volunteering

5 local apprentices from Islington

8 apprentices not local

57 hours volunteered by project team

2 work experience placements

Charities supported: CLIC Sargent and Alzheimer’s Society both charity partners and CRASH

Employment of local site management trainee: We had 6 local apprentices on site, 1 non- local management trainee.

Sponsorship of college/university students: 1 x quantity surveyor

Fair

100% payment within 30 days terms

Aftercare

As part of our commitment to aftercare, key BAM personnel remained on site following completion to facilitate smooth occupation for both the university staff and students. We worked with the Clients FM team to ensure they were fully familiar with the operation and maintenance requirements, providing additional training sessions where required.

Safe

Zero RIDDORs

CCS Score 42/50

SCF Framework Manager

Alex Nelhams

Email: alex.nelhams@hants.gov.uk

Phone: 07717 003869

Contractor Framework Manager

Darren Birch

Email: dbirch@bam.com

Phone: 07920 134843

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