Archives
Bristol Operations Centre
Following the successful completion of Phase 1, Phase 2 refurbishment of Bristol City Council’s headquarters at Temple Street, Bristol including the creation of a new Operations Centre on one floor which provides the central hub for all CCTV cameras in the city. The room also acts as the control centre for major incidents and thus has a higher level of security than the rest of the building.
The Challenge
Provision of high security to one floor and fit out to the rest of the building whilst remaining a live operational building.
The Solution
Specialist and security systems included the installation of a video wall system which feature images from CCTV cameras that operators can play numerous images on enabling them to split the screen or zoom in.
The refurbishment also included CAT 6 data wiring, installation of a new generator, UPS and air conditioning. The new switch panel was installed over 3 weekends as the building remained occupied.
Fit out to the first floor for the Department of Work and Pensions were phased to keep staff entrances live throughout with minimal disruption. Deliveries were planned carefully. Any drilling was not undertaken after 8.30am
The Results
Building handed over on time and within budget whilst remaining operational throughout the works.
4
Apprentices
92.3%
SME Spend
8/10
Client Satisfaction
Client Testimonials
Contractor Performance | Commitments
Fair
100% payment within 30 days terms
Sustainability
100% timber responsibly sourced
Safe
Zero RIDDORs
Legacy
23 No of SMEs
22 Beneficiaries
2 Work experience placements
16 jobs created
3 curriculum support activities
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
SCF Framework Manager
Kingsley Clarke
Email: kingsley.clarke@devon.gov.uk
Phone: 07805 760622
Contractor Framework Manager
Alan Smedley
Email: alan.smedley@morgansindall.com
Phone: 07967 686066
Tufnell Park Primary School
Tufnell Park Primary School
Islington, London
Project Details
Client
London Borough of Islington
Project Manager
Baily Garner
Architect
Haverstock
Contractor
Morgan Sindall
Value
£14.2 million
Contract Period
81 weeks
Procurement Type
Design & Build
Form of Contract
JCT 2011 D&B
Size
3,252 sqm
Project Summary
A new 3FE modular primary school and associated landscaping with new MUGA (Multi-Use Games Area) to replace an existing 1.5FE school. The pupils from the existing school were housed in temporary classrooms while the old school was demolished to make way for the new school. Demolition took place in two phases with one building remaining operational throughout the build and was demolished once the school had decanted into the new building.
The new school is a modular construction by Eco Modular.
“Our project team is extremely experienced and adept at delivering high-quality education projects, often working in logistically challenging urban environments across London, and on live sites. We will bring this knowledge to bear on this development, doing our utmost to minimise disruption, engage both school users and the local community and manage the project to a high standard to ensure the journey to completion is a positive one for all stakeholders.”
Key Challenges
Four metre difference in site levels from pavement level to where the school building is located
A substantial cut and fill was carried out on the site to level it out and a retaining wall was constructed on three sides.
Challenging access and limited space
The site was landlocked by neighbouring properties on three sides and the site was very tight, making access to it very challenging. In the planning stages, permission for the retaining wall of a listed building was sought, but it wasn’t communicated properly how much working space was needed, which resulted in very limited space on each side of the building.
The modular build was proposed by Morgan Sindall as a solution to the tight site and limited access. Eco modular, who provided the building, also carried out the fit-out meaning there was only one contractor to manage for the whole of the building.
There was very little storage on the tight site, so “just in time” deliveries were scheduled to avoid having to store materials on site. All materials had to be craned in or hand-balled over a bridge and entered the building on the first floor.
Live School environment
Working in a live school environment with school children in very close proximity to the site and having to maintain services to the remaining school building.
A road closure was put in place for five weeks whilst the modular building was being delivered and craned into place. During this time, access still needed to be maintained for a special needs school opposite the site, so the road was only closed between the entrance and exit to the school.
The site team worked with the school to get the site set up initially. A good relationship with the school and local community was maintained throughout the course of the project, with regular site visits by the school’s headteacher and office manager as well as letter drops to neighbours.
Site of Interest for Nature Conservation with a number of Tree Preservation Orders
The site team worked with the school to get the site set up initially. A good relationship with the school and local community was maintained throughout the course of the project, with regular site visits by the school’s headteacher and office manager as well as letter drops to neighbours.
Royal Veterinary College: Hobday Building
Royal Veterinary College – Hobday Building
Camden, London
Project Details
Client:
Royal Veterinary College
Project Manager:
Royal Veterinary College
Architect:
Rivington Street Studios
Contractor:
Morgan Sindall
Value:
£7.5 million
Contract Period:
49 weeks
Procurement Type:
Design & Build
Form of Contract:
JCT 2016
Project Brief
The extensive internal and external remodelling and refurbishment of the Hobday Building at the Royal Veterinary College campus in Camden, London. This major refurbishment upgraded and modernised the college’s teaching and communal facilities, which dated back to the 1930’s, to meet current and future demand for student places and to provide a modern state-of-the-art facility to rival international colleges.
Working in a fully functioning college, the remodelling works included a new dining hall, student break out spaces, new laboratories, staff rooms and offices, new WC’s, the entire replacement of an old goods lift and the installation of a new disabled access lift.
Key Challenges
Working on a tight, occupied site
The major challenge of the project was carrying out significant demolition works, strip out of existing facilities, adding new structures and making structural alterations to the existing building with no reduction in occupancy.
We would usually expect this level of works to take place in a vacated building which we had full possession of, with all utilities switched off and temporary services in place, and no concerns about deliveries or movement of people. Carrying out these works in a fully functioning live college of 600 students and 75 staff required meticulous planning, collaboration and communication from both client and site teams.
The programme was developed in phases to allow the college to remain fully operational throughout, including a fully functioning summer school.
Working with animals and accommodating the client
Demolition and major structural alterations were carried out in a fully operational college which, in addition to the staff and students, housed several animals on site including two horses and two cows!
The only outside space was a thoroughfare used for all construction traffic and footfall, access to the site office and the college itself. An agreed process was in place – overseen by our logistics manager – to ensure all animals were safe and not stressed by the works, and that the site staff were safe, when the animals were moved.
From 08:00 to 08:30 and from 16:30 to 17:00 every day, they site team stood down works, cleared and cleaned the area so the animals could pass through safely with no hoist in use, no deliveries planned, no forklifts and no noisy works.
Managing logistics in a very constrained, live site
External space was extremely restricted with only one entrance shared with the college. Just-in-time deliveries were scheduled by our logistics manager, for both the construction site and the college – and across a busy cycle lane – and were all managed by our permanent gateman. Once inside the site, our telehandler unloaded materials which would either be transported by hand to the workforce or enter the building via the hoist at the back of the building.
All materials in and waste out had to pass through a space no larger than a double door. This included plasterboard, steel, timber and bricks.
Keeping to programme while managing asbestos removal
The RVC’s asbestos register didn’t accurately represent the extent of the asbestos throughout the building and a demolition survey was carried out that identified a significant amount more.
The site team managed £300,000 worth of asbestos removal, which was not in the original package of works, without impacting on the programme. This was achieved through communication and collaboration with the client to compile a programme that allowed access to remove asbestos and seal off areas in phases, whilst maintaining access, escape routes and safe working environments for all students and staff.
This was achieved in nine phases, working at night to remove the asbestos, moving it out of the building first thing in the morning and sealing the area during the day before releasing it back to the college once it had been given the all-clear.
Where work had to be carried out on classrooms, disruption was minimised by shutting down the area on a Thursday night and carrying out the equivalent of seven shifts across the weekend so the classroom could be opened up again on Monday morning.
Refurbishment of specialist laboratories
The college’s laboratories were stripped out and refurbished using specialist contractors to design, fabricate and install the laboratory furniture, install reverse osmosis key and medical gas services.
We created new and refurbished fume cupboards and worked with the design team on a brief from users on where to install power, using antibacterial wall trunking.
Specific antibacterial floor and ceiling finishes were sourced to maintain cleanliness and antistatic. The programme was built with specialists and subcontractors to lay flooring after all other works have been carried out to ensure they were 100% sealed and the finish protected.
Contact: Ray Mcauley
Email: ray.mcauley@morgansindall.com
City College, STEM Building
City College, STEM Building
Plymouth, Devon
Project Details
Client
City College
Architect
ADG
Structural/ Civil Engineer
WSP
M&E Engineer:
Hydrock
Contractor
Kier Construction
Value
£9m
Contract Period
March 2016 – July 2017
Form of Contract
JCT 2001 Design & Build
Apprentices
3 Apprentices
Placements
9 weeks work placements
Project Summary
The design and construction of a new Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) building, along with remodelling and refurbishment of the existing adjacent hall to create a performing arts faculty with associated external works. The project consisted of a 5 storey concrete frame new build with steel frame and atrium.
Specialist design requirements included acoustic work on the ground floor for the music rooms and recording studios.
The design changed to incorporate £1m of value engineering. In the basement the performing arts changing was withdrawn, a handrail around the building for ease of maintenance and the column at the front was changed from square to a v.
Difficulties overcome included the lead designers relying heavily on our design managers and was a big project for the lead architect who struggled to keep up with the pace of the programme
The client was very happy with the result of the design, in particular the cladding and overhang. The result was lots of space for the budget and the internal spaces were well received.
Kier took a lead role in the design management of the project in order to keep to the programme.
Community Engagement
Career Development
- During the project there were 3 management apprentices in Structural engineering from Plymouth University. The project supported the Step In and Step Up programme to encourage career changes into construction and also facilitated a 2 week placement in site management for a former Royal Marine.
Key Challenges
Live Campus
Live campus environment required weekly co-ordination meetings with the Clients estates team to ensure deliveries were kept a a minimum during peak campus activity.
Demolition
Demolition of existing building on a live campus. To minimise risk, demolition of the existing building was carried out during school holidays. A robust risk method statement was developed which included dampening dust and protective screens over large glazing.
Project Takeaways
Our Success
- Value management was carried out on the existing building roof through overlaying a roofing system rather than replacing the entire roof. It was identified that there was no requirement for new plant, resulting in a quick solution and avoided lost time.
- Examples of value engineering on the project included reducing the depths of overhangs on the eaves. This created a more definite frame, reducing construction of the floor overhang to be supported from the ground. The style of the balustrades was also changed and the atrium changed from glass roof to 3 large roof lights.
- Best practice of innovation is demonstrated in the curved handrails on the roof; they have been designed so that they are not visible from the ground but still ensure safety when carrying out maintenance on the roof.
- Innovation was demonstrated through the concrete wash out used.
Our Learnings
- To ensure the safety and security of the site, there was a full hoarding around the perimeter which was inspected daily, skips were covered and delivery restrictions at peak times.
- Off-site storage was established so that materials only arrived on site when required.
Value Added
- The key cost drivers were the financial targets and due to a client funding agreement there was a turnover date that had to be met.
- The programme was driven by the College who needed the building to be in use for September 2017.
UWE Glenside Laundry Building Conversion
UWE Glenside Laundry Building Conversion
University West of England, Bristol
Project Details
Client
University West of England
Contractor
Kier Construction
Value
£3m
Contract Period
41 weeks
Form of Contract
JCT Building Contracts with CDPs 2016
Project Summary
The conversion of a former Laundry Building in to a new Clinical Skills and Simulation Centre for the University of the West of England, Bristol.
The completed facility will provide the University with Optometry, Rehabilitation, Practical Skills Teaching Paramedics, changing and shower facilities and CPD Spaces with storage and plant rooms within a Basement that has ground floor level access.
Located on the University’s Glenside Campus, in Bristol, the building works were carried out within the live education and residential environment.
“Following Optometry’s occupation of the Glenside Laundry on Monday, I wanted to send you this congratulatory note. The mammoth operation which you have successfully lead so that PC was achieved on the entire development, has been so welcomed by my colleagues across the University, many of whom are eager to spread the word, what a great learning environment we now have.”
“The feedback I have received on your Project Management abilities from across the project team, has been consistently strong. I can recall many conversations with members of the UWE team, where they have expressed an appetite to build upon the relationships established on this project; in my view, a great indicator of success.”
Key Challenges
Asbestos Removal
During the project there were a number of challenges which were highlighted and overcome through good communication and desire to provide a high-quality building.
The asbestos removal was a challenge as the scope continually expanded due to unforeseen areas not located in the original asbestos survey.
The site team communicated with the client at an early stage to allow the client to fully understand what additional work was required. This allowed a good working relationship to continue between both parties.
Location
The location of the project created a number of logistical constraints due to the limited space surrounding the project and the busy nature of the University campus.
Client Approval
During the early stages of the project, a traffic management plan was developed and issued to the client for approval. The plan allowed the client to fully understand the construction logistic requirements and highlight any potential disruptions.
Disruptions
Throughout the project, the Kier site team regularly communicated with the University about any disruptions such as crane lifts and concrete pumps. During these activities, Kier gave adequate notice to the client regarding the disruptions and went onto position signage and barriers to communicate the temporary disruption to the University users.
Limited Storage Facilities
The site was also challenged with limited material storage facilities which were managed through material procurement; only requesting the materials which were required, not bulk procurement. This allowed the storage facilities to be managed while providing a well-managed and maintained site.
Project Takeaways
Our Success
- The key project drivers were to develop a design solution which met the Client’s afforded budget and deliver the completed building for the start of the September academic term.
- The project commenced with removal of asbestos in various locations and lead paint from existing walls to display the glazed brickwork behind.
- Design coordination was done utilising the BIM model to ensure we de-risked design through clash detection, ensuring the new and existing structure didn’t clash with newly installed services.
Our Learnings
- Various demolitions to the existing structure were undertaken to allow the Client to obtain the required space and access routes from the existing University facilities.
- Included in the demolitions was the removal of the existing window lanterns which were replaced with new lanterns to allow the building to have an enhanced thermal performance.
- The pre-construction and operational team were central to supporting the University in developing a project-specific BIM Execution Plan and Employer’s Information Requirements (EIRs) which aligned to the traditional nature of the contract. Within the EIRs it became apparent that affixing identification tags or labels, to assets, was key to delivering continuity across their estate. These were installed to both fixed and movable assets to provide a way to identify individual assets throughout their useful life.
Value Added
- The project was fully fitted out to a clinical standard including replacement of all M&E systems and new optometry training booths to the Client’s requirements.
- This new space adds an extra 1,400 square metres of flexible teaching, learning and assessment space for a range of programmes, including a new Advanced Practice Apprenticeship award, which the Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences have been successfully awarded by Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Sustainability and Transformation Partnership.
- The refurbishment of the former Laundry has been awarded a SKA Silver rating from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors for its considerate environmental design and use of materials in the project.
Advanced Engineering Centre, Bridgwater College
Advanced Engineering Centre, Bridgwater College
Project Details
Client:
Bridgwater College
Contractor:
KIER
Value
£7.0m
Project Summary
The architectural ideology behind the design was to capture the purpose of the building in its appearance, and produce an ‘engineered’ form. A rigorous control over the alignment of external elements drove this concept, creating continuous lines around the facades, that blend seamlessly between the curtain wall mullions through to the cladding panel joints.
Control over the internal spaces went hand in hand with this, to create an order to the primary facade’s glazing, and draw attention to the spaces within.
The internal spaces are positioned so the classroom spaces receive generous amounts daylight from the large, sloped glazing facade, whilst the workshops, with controlled lighting levels, are placed to the rear of the building.
“Good collaborative approach and great outcome.”
Key Challenges
The site was within Bridgwater & Taunton College campus with upwards of 14,000 students attending daily.
- Logistic plans had to be updated regularly and agreed with the College as the only site access was through the heart of the campus and routes to the main car park.
The site was positioned adjacent to a main rail track.
- Very close monitoring and controls had to be introduced during piling and lifting operations.
Project Takeaways
Our Success
- A key success for the project was to achieve completion for the new academic year despite a delayed start and without compromising the quality of the build.
- The Advanced Engineering Centre was based on 320 driven piles to a depth of 20 metres with a suspended precast floor utilised on levels. The main structure was steel with composite cladding to roof and walling which frames the feature curtain walling to the front elevation.
- A 1200cm attenuation system was installed under the car park as well as relocation of a grey water tank from an adjacent building
KPI’s & Statistics
- Contractor team performance: 9/10
- Health & Safety: 9/10
- Quality Workmanship: 9/10
- Progress in making good defects: 8/10
- Collaborative approach: 9/10
- Overall contractor approach: 9/10
East Anton Primary School
Andover, Hampshire
The Challenge
To minimise energy consumption and maximise occupant comfort, our team focused on the careful design of the building form and selection of materials. In particular, the layout of the proposed building features south facing classrooms with north facing clerestory glazing. This arrangement offers good opportunities for providing generous natural daylight with natural cross ventilation and effective shading from excessive solar gain.
The Solution
Willmott Dixon’s team of education experts have created a new 420 place primary school in Andover. The school provides places for students aged from 4-11 years old and is likely to expand in the future with elements already in place to accommodate this.
This arrangement offers good opportunities for providing generous natural daylight with natural cross ventilation and effective shading from excessive solar gain. The school is highly sustainable with photovoltaics on the roof which provide 10% of the building’s energy use.
The Results
The Primary school provided 420 places for students aged from 4-11 years old and is likely to expand in the future with elements already in place to accommodate this. Set within the East Anton Major Development Area (MDA) the school is being built alongside 2,850 new homes with developer Taylor Wimpey.
1
Apprentices
91.25%
SME Spend
20.5%
Added Value
10
Client Satisfaction
Client Testimonials
Contractor Performance | Commitments
Fair
100% of payments were made promptly and within 30 days
Sustainability
98% diverted from landfill
Safe
Zero harm
Legacy
- Created 9 new jobs through the project
- Career guidance events
- Provided over 186 weeks of training onsite
Aftercare
SCF handover and aftercare process carried out
SCF Framework Manager
Kingsley Clarke
Email: kingsley.clarke@devon.gov.uk
Phone: 07805760622
Contractor Framework Manager
Guy Dawes
Email: guy.dawes@willmottdixon.co.uk
Phone: 07989 179444
Chiltern Lifestyle Centre
Chiltern Lifestyle Centre
Amersham, Buckinghamshire
Project Details
Client
Chiltern District Council
Project Manager
Hadron Consulting
Architect
Space & Place
Contractor
BAM Construction
Value
£33.15 million
Contract Period
133 weeks
Completion Date
6 June 2022
Procurement Type
Design & Build
Form of Contract
JCT 2017
Project Summary
The new lifestyle centre has been designed to replace the 1960s Chiltern Pools Leisure Centre. The council’s aim is to bring together leisure and community services in one centre. The new building will be built alongside the existing one which will be demolished in one of the final phases.
The lifestyle centre will feature:
- 8-lane 25m swimming pool with viewing, diving/teaching pool and splash pad area
- Four badminton court sports hall
- Dry diving training facility
- Squash courts
- Clip ‘n’ climb wall
- Spa
- Library
- Café area
- Multi use games area (MUGA) and play areas
- Community Centre
- Fitness and gym studios
- Children’s soft play area
- 221-space car park.
“The project team is extremely focused on achieving the client’s requirements. BAM and the Design Team have demonstrated a proactive collaborative approach that has built trust to enable effective delivery.”
Community Engagement
Career Development
- Provided six work placements, spending time with the project team during preconstruction and on site shadowing the project team.
- Our Education & Community Coordinator supported the Apprenticeship Evening at Dr Challoner’s Grammar School and a school careers event at Sir William Ramsay School.
- Exhibited at the Bucks Skills Show
- Our Site Manager represented BAM at a careers event at Great Marlow School.
- A careers talk was given to Year 10 students at Aylesbury Grammar School.
- As part of National Careers Week our Education & Community Coordinator talked about careers in the Construction Industry to Y9 at Holmer Green Senior School, before running a workshop with a Y7 Maths class which involved calculating volumes, ordering Lego bricks and building houses to show how Maths is used in the real world.
Education
- Delivered five STEM workshops for Year 8 pupils at Aylesbury Vale Academy.
Local Support
- Shrubs which were removed from site were donated to the local school – St Michael’s School.
- £250 was donated to the Rotary Club of Amersham.
- The project is using the services of Community Wood Recycling, a local social enterprise for waste transfer of wood
Exeter Science Park, Grow on Buildings
Grow on Buildings
Exeter, Devon
Project Details
Client
Exeter Science Park Limited
Project Manager
NPS
Architect
LHC
Contractor
Kier Construction
Value
£5.7m
Contract Period
52 weeks
Form of Contract
NEC Option A
Size
17000 sqft (divided into two) & 10,000 sqft
Project Summary
The design and construction of two new science buildings in the heart of Exeter. The construction consists of a new build steel framed structure, concrete planks for floor, façade treatments carrying from curtain walling, brickwork and fenestration.
Industrial units with CAT A fit out allow for tenant’s own design.
Key Challenges
Space efficient
Extremely space efficient buildings. Built without compromise to a tightly defined budget, yet they’ve achieved an excellent 85% net-to-gross floor area.
Designed with carefully placed cores and primary circulation space which does not reduce the usable area. Flexible floorplans, easily divide-able with vital services already located for whichever configuration is adopted.
Flexibility
Since the users may have limited-time tenancies in the buildings, the space provides a significant degree of flexibility during its life to allow the building to be subdivided in a number of configurations/uses and offering everything from a single-occupier double-storey unit of 1600 sqm to 12 single-storey units of 200 sqm each.
Project Takeaways
Science Building 1
Detached unit with the following features:
- Flexible two storey building
- Gross area – up to 9,000 sq ft
- Offices or Laboratory space
- Raised floors, for floor boxes and cabling
- Suspended ceiling with inset modern (LG7) lighting
- Air-conditioning or natural ventilation options
- Raised floor with anti-static covering and suspended ceiling suitable for extract systems
- Access for the disabled, either ground floor or via lift – including Disability discrimination act compliant WC facilities
Rationale
The Grow-on spaces are the first stand-alone B1(b) Research and Development units on the Park, providing flexible accommodation options for office and/or laboratory use.
The new build facility aimed at users who have progressed beyond the initial research stages of business, and now require larger premises to develop further, whilst remaining within the Science Park campus and its environment of innovation.
Science Building 2
The building can be delivered as either a detached standalone building or a terrace of units enabling greater flexibility, the specifications include:
-
- Two storey flexible building
- Gross area – 3,000 – 16,200 sq ft
- Options to include self-contained terraced units or whole floors
- Offices or laboratory space
- Accessible rear elevation to allow the inclusion of access for larger equipment
Northgate Primary School
Northgate Primary School
Bridgwater, Somerset
Project Details
Project Summary
New build 2FE primary school with nursery classes in a two-storey building with upper floor built to shell and core only to allow the school to be opened as 1FE.
Enabling works involved asbestos strip and demolition of existing hospital buildings occupying the site.
Design Intent
Kier and the design team worked collaboratively to create two alternative solutions, one of which incorporated the client’s land-swap proposal. We worked closely with the Client and Planners to ensure that either proposal would be acceptable. Ultimately, the land deal was completed, and the Client’s preferred option was approved.
The original plan was to include two grass pitches. The pitch specification was subsequently upgraded to include a grass pitch and an all-weather to enable community use.
The initial concept design included brick facades which was not favoured by the Planners and so we redesigned the scheme with a cladding finish that met the Planners Conditions and the Client’s budget.
Kier used our ‘fabric first’ approach to environmental performance management. Through robust design detailing and confidence in our quality installation, we were able to increase the insulation and air-tightness of the building such that the proposed roof-mounted PV cells could be removed from the project and yet still achieve Part L/EPC building performance.
Design Development
The programme was driven by the need to achieve completion and occupation of the school to coincide with the new academic year.
During the project the Academy were chosen to run the school. Working in close collaboration with them and Somerset Council a number of changes were accommodated to allow the final layouts to be amended to suit their operational teaching requirements.
As part of the works a 4G sports pitch was installed to be shared with the local community.
Value Added
Kier were appointed to carry out the demolition of the existing buildings occupying the site and during that phase saved the crushed recycled aggregates to utilise on the new project therefore saving the client considerable sums for disposal of the waste.
The works included areas of ground remediation. This carried out in conjunction with the landscape architect, whereby levels carefully remodelled to minimise soil removals and costs.
“Excellent collaborative approach, the project team worked very well together. Very good quality of service and product.”
John Houlihan
Strategic Manager – Corporate Property
Somerset County Council
“A very impressive project showing the enthusiasm of the site team.”
Considerate Constructors Scheme
Performance Beyond Compliance
Score 42/50
