Exeter Science Park – Grow Out Building 3

Client
Exeter Science Park Ltd
Contractor
Value
£3.975m
Completion Date
December 2021

Project Details

Procurement Type: Two stage

Form of Contract: JCT Design and Build Contract 2016

Contract Period: 42 weeks

Size: 1,329m²

Project Background

Provision of much-needed grow out space for maturing STEMM (science, technology, engineering, maths and medical) businesses at Exeter Science Park.

Constructed to net zero carbon standards, the ‘BREEAM Excellent’ building is configured to provide 3 floors comprising bespoke laboratory and office accommodation, now known as The George Parker Bidder Building.

The building is the latest in a rolling series of developments in which ESP has demonstrated an approach of Continuous Improvement in its built estate, particularly relating to the environmental performance of buildings.

The Challenge

The project was externally funded. However, the funding cost and time envelopes were extremely challenging, necessitating a completion within 18 months of funding award. Morgan Sindall was formally appointed as Design and Build contractor in November 2021, leaving less than 14 months to take develop the RIBA 2 design price the project, agree the price and contract, and deliver the scheme.

Additionally, sustainability and climate change imperatives were at the heart of the project. This project’s Net Zero Carbon in Use is a steppingstone to the client’s ultimate aim of developing carbon negative buildings that generate more power than they use, creating a carbon “payback” within the lifetime of the building.

The Solution

Working to develop the design “at risk” through the main contractor selection process, allowed the early appointment of key subcontractors, which was required to meet the challenging programme. Furthermore, the client supported Morgan Sindall’s procurement strategy through early instruction of programme-critical structural steelwork order.

The building was designed and delivered to meet the Green Building Councils definition of Nett Zero carbon in use. Our team employed a “Fabric First” strategy to achieve the required sustainability and climate change imperatives.

The Results

An Integrative, collaborative approach characterised all aspects of the project conception, design development and delivery.

The results of this approach are:

Achievement of project completion, despite the constraints of the second covid lockdown and the materials and components shortages of Q3-4 2022, within 14 months of appointment of Morgan Sindall with the design at RIBA 2
An attractive and over-subscribed building
Zero defects at handover
Delivered within budget
Zero carbon in use
BREEAM Excellent

Furthermore, in achieving the required environment targets:

Our team employed a “Fabric First” strategy, including U values of 0.17 (Wall), 0.1 (Floor) and 0.12 (roof), and air tightness of 3m³/h.m² This combined with the efficient aspect ratios derived from a simple 3 storey rectilinear building form, and high level of daylighting to create an efficient space to service.

Heating design was limited by the project requirement to utilise the existing district heating main.

A roof-mounted solar PV array generates power to balance out energy in use.

11

Apprentices

64.4%

SME Spend

£217,000k

Added Value

10/10

Client Satisfaction

Client Testimonials

Contractor Performance | Commitments

Sustainability

The building was designed and delivered to meet the Green Building Councils definition of Nett Zero carbon in use. Our team employed a “Fabric First” strategy to achieve the required sustainability and climate change imperatives.

Zero carbon in use – BREEAM Excellent with 100% waste diverted from landfill and 100% timber responsibly sourced – 71 Tonnes of carbon Saved

“Fabric First” strategy, including U values of 0.17 (Wall), 0.1 (Floor) and 0.12 (roof), and air tightness of 3m³/h.m²K

The predicted in use Energy Use Intensity is 92.09 kWhrs/m²/a.

32 No of SMEs

Fair

100% payment within 30 days terms

Legacy

27 beneficiaries : 32 SME’s

9 jobs created : 160 trainee weeks

Schools engagement: 81 students

25 volunteer hours

83% social value created

Safe

Zero RIDDORs

CCS Score 40/45

Aftercare

Soft landings for handover

Dedicated Morgan Sindall point of contact

On-line portal for notifying any defects with 3 priority categories for response times