Archives
Pembroke Road Waste Transfer Centre
Buckinghamshire Council’s existing waste and recycling services depot on Pembroke Road, Aylesbury has been expanded to cater for the local population growth. The local Council identified the need to plan for and accommodate growth within the Aylesbury Vale district over the next 10 years and relieve associated pressures on the existing waste and recycling services. This has culminated in the Morgan Sindall team working closely with the Council to reconfigure the layout of the existing depot to optimise the site and to mitigate environmental impacts, the project was procured through the Southern Construction Framework.
The Challenge
Challenges of the redevelopment centred on the need to maintain the operation of the existing facility which entailed the works being undertaken over several phases and the fact that the site is bounded to the north and the south by two small rivers which have a history of flooding.
Towards completion of the project the Bear Brook river had already broke its north bank causing flooding across the site where defence measures were tested and successfully combined to prevent any flooding inside the new buildings.
The Solution
The contract works were divided into an initial demolition enabling works package followed by two sectional completions to accommodate the different phasing of the site works. The first being the construction of a new 699 sqm commercial vehicle MOT workshop with vehicle repair and service facilities for both local taxi drivers and the depot’s own Rigid Vehicles fleet which will bring about additional revenue for the depot. The second phase provided a new 1825 sqm Waste Transfer and Recycling Station with a modern fire suppression canon system serviced by a 125,000-litre tank. The new buildings were supplemented with the upgrade of external slabs and wayfinding pedestrian routes with allocated fleet vehicle and staff parking areas. Specialist equipment provision included a new weighbridge, 2no industrial carwashes and a 45,000litre refuelling zone.
As part of the flood defences, we also provided a bespoke metal flood barrier system designed to be installed across each door and roller shutter opening.
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The Results
The successful completion of the project culminated in the merging of the new and upgraded existing areas to provide a state-of-the-art depot ready to support the growing population needs of the Aylesbury Vale district.
3
Apprentices
58%
SME Spend
£655k
Added Value
10/10
Client Satisfaction
Contractor Performance | Commitments
Fair
100% payment within 30 days terms
Sustainability
99% waste diverted from landfill
100% timber responsibly sourced
Any site specific initiatives/stats
Safe
Zero RIDDORs
CCS Score 41/45
Any site specific initiatives
Legacy
15 No of SMEs – 18 beneficiaries – 6 jobs created
154 apprentice trainee weeks and 16 Work Experience students
Schools engagement: 130 students
£300 donations to charity
£8,650 community investment project
£2.38 LM3 – 103% social value created
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
Any site specific process/initiatives
Client Testimonials
Amersham Secondary School
The expansion of Amersham School was carried out within a live school campus, over three phases of works, and comprised: a new 27-space car park and landscaping works; the construction of a double-storey extension featuring a new dining hall, reception area, and eight classrooms forming a new maths block (Block N); extension of an existing science block to provide additional teaching space (Block E).
Although not an employer requirement for the scheme, our design team developed the design in BIM to provide a high degree of design co-ordination throughout the Stage 4 design development.
The Challenge
Overcoming of a number of challenges was crucial to the successful outcome of the scheme. This included undertaking the works within a live school, restricted space to manoeuvre when completing areas of detail, working towards completing facilities to achieve critical phased handover dates whilst, additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic had swept its way through sites across the country.
Another was the discovery of unexpected urgent remedial works required to areas of masonry support on the existing building, which hindered and delayed progression of works. As it was unsafe to work underneath the concrete beams that supported the concrete blocks, the remediation works consumed many weeks of programming.
The Solution
Overcoming the various challenges on site required careful and considered planning, excellent communication, understanding and innovative methods of working.
Communication from all parties associated with the project was critical, particularly throughout term times, to ensure safety measures were in place to protect students, staff and members of the public.
Masonry remedial works were carefully considered, being struck down and re-built with engineering bricks and a concrete lintel to hold the structure of the loads, which provided its structural integrity.
Re-sequencing of work packages played an important factor to maintain progression to the job and was demonstrated by prioritising Block E works located in an existing block, which would continue to operate during school term whilst the refurbishment works continued. This strategy proved beneficial as, after Block E was handed over to the school, we were then able to prioritise works to the main Block N new build.
The Results
Successfully carried out within the live school environment, this much needed scheme saw the introduction of new and improved facilities, providing students and teachers with a first-class learning environment to serve future generations of learners.
At the Buckinghamshire College Group’s Student Awards Ceremony in June 2022, Morgan Sindall was awarded ‘Employer of the Year’. The nomination by Industry Placement Officer, Nicola Hieatt, was as follows: ‘’Our partnership with this employer began late last year. During this academic year they have provided Buckinghamshire College Group construction students with over 500 work experience hours, careers sessions, help with CV writing, week-long virtual work experience projects, industry insight days not only for students but staff as well.
Their staff are always courteous and welcoming to students and regularly take time out of their working days to carry out safe site tours and offer advice. The construction students have been extremely lucky to have been given the opportunity to work alongside these professionals. On a more personal note, our contact Norma Odain-Hines [Morgan Sindall Community Investment Manager, London & Home Counties] repeatedly goes out of her way to include the students in the site development in every possible way. We will certainly miss her dedication once the Buckinghamshire project is complete.’’
4
Apprentices
96.6%
SME Spend
£680k
Added Value
7/10
Client Satisfaction
Client Testimonials
Contractor Performance | Commitments
Fair
100% payment within 30 days terms
Sustainability
100% waste diverted from landfill
100% timber responsibly sourced
Safe
Zero RIDDORs
CCS Score 43/45
Aftercare
Handover & Aftercare Contractor Promise
Legacy
14 SMEs, 28 beneficiaries
6 jobs created, 172 trainee weeks
Schools engagement: 277 students
£11,750 donations to charity, 227 volunteer hours
78% social value created
SCF Framework Manager
James Wright
Email: james.wright@hants.gov.uk
Phone: 07761 330560
Contractor Framework Manager
Alan Smedley
Email: alan.smedley@morgansindall.com
Phone: 07967 686066
Harrison Building, University of Exeter
The Harrison Building is located in the centre of the Streatham Campus, surrounded by several other University buildings, key facilities, roads and footpaths. The works to the operational building included the replacement of the roof, northlights and complex building services, whereby a scaffold birdcage and temporary roof were erected over the building to facilitate the removal of asbestos also involving a significant amount of temporary works.
Several interior refurbishment sub-projects were delivered concurrently including the new state-of-the-art ‘Curriculum 2020’ suite, comprising lab space, workshops, offices and open-plan workspaces.
A carefully planned logistics strategy was developed for each stage of the project, the planning of which began at the earliest possible stage.
The Challenge
The Harrison Building’s technical challenges and site constraints, combined with the requirement for the building to remain operational throughout, placed additional importance on the safe segregation of our works, stringent management of hazards and careful mitigation throughout in order to minimise the impact of works on the student experience and day-to-day campus operations.
Neighbouring campus buildings were occupied throughout the works and continuity of “business as usual” was vital for all campus users.
The Solution
Key to our successful relationship with the University was our established levels of communication, commitment, planning and understanding, coupled with the professional and considerate conduct of our site team at all times. Mitigation techniques included:
- A carefully considered ‘birdcage’ scaffolding solution implemented due to standard temporary works scaffolding not being viable due to the constraints of the building;
- Working concurrently, the team re-engineered the programme across two phases so that the building could remain operational, allowing the university time to safely decant between areas once handed over;
The Results
In understanding and upholding the University’s commitment, core values, approach to sustainability and the Environmental Climate Emergency, we are proud to have now delivered 7 carbon reduction projects for the University within the past 5 years, including this project, through:
- Upgrading the thermal insulation value of the roof to provide 0.18 W/m² K;
- Upgrading the thermal insulation value of the Northlights to provide U-values of 2.0 W/m² K;
- Upgrading building services to modern standards, rigorously commissioning to ensure the most efficient energy in use.
All of Morgan Sindall’s sites remained open throughout the initial Covid “lockdown” period including the Harrison Building. A visiting HSE inspector described our infection control measures as “above compliance”.
13
Apprentices
99.5%
SME Spend
£9,387
Added Value
9/10
Client Satisfaction
Client Testimonials
Contractor Performance | Commitments
Fair
100% payment within 30 days terms
Safe
Zero RIDDORs
CCS Score 43/45
Sustainability
96% waste diverted from landfill
100% timber responsibly sourced
159 tonnes carbon saving
12 SMEs
We have remained committed to provide a local workforce with the capability and capacity to deliver our clients’ requirements, whilst generating a positive impact on the communities and environments in which we work. At Harrison Building, an impressive 60% of our project spend was within the projects ‘catchment area’ (within 15 miles of site) and 75% within 30 miles.
Legacy
34 beneficiaries
6 jobs created
320 trainee weeks
£1,730 donations
71 volunteer hours
82% social value created
We employed two construction management apprentices and supported our supply chain to recruit, train and retain local apprentice including MEP, where a further 2 apprentices were employed.
In recognising an opportunity to promote the varied and exciting careers available to the University’s College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Science (CEMPS) students, we helped in the organising of site visits and a ‘careers fair’, where students met members of our project team with engineering backgrounds and were also able to apply for work experience opportunities.
Throughout the project we have worked closely with local schools, Job Centre and Build Force, giving opportunities to those interested in careers within construction to gain practical, work-based experience in a range of areas, providing a total 14 week-long work experience placements.
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
On completion of the first phase, we dedicated a 3-week ‘post-contract’ period within our programme, giving our project management and MEP contractor the opportunity to provide any necessary training for building users, resolve concerns, and undertake ‘fine-tuning’ as required.
SCF Framework Manager
Kingsley Clarke
Email: kingsley.clarke@devon.gov.uk
Phone: 07805760622
Contractor Framework Manager
Alan Smedley
Email: alan.smedley@morgansindall.com
Phone: 07967 686066
The Amelia Scott
Tunbridge Wells Learning and Cultural Hub
The Challenge
Regenerating a grade II listed building as Tunbridge Wells’ cultural and learning hub. The refurbishments caused complications due to the variety of the materials and construction methods used.
The works carried out were during the Covid-19 pandemic and included the demolition and removal of existing adult education outbuildings and the partial demolition of the existing library.
The budget and cost plan alignment was also a constant challenge, and the town centre location demanded considered planning of materials and plant.
The Solution
Multi-stakeholder engagement demanded communication clarity. The Willmott Dixon team introduced a stakeholder engagement and communication plan to provide clear communications, track and reocrd key decisions needed.
Having a constant pro-active approach to reporting allowed design and specification decisions to be considered early, allowing the team to plan ahead and report against key milestone events.
The Willmott Dixon team also had to flexible in order to adapt to the ever evolving CLC working restrictions.
The Results
The Amelia Scott has been redeveloped as a major new cultural centre in Tunbridge Wells.
The centre is home to several attractions including a museum, art gallery, library, archives, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s Gateway, Kent County Council’s register office, the Tourist Information Centre and Kent Adult Education centre. It showcases rare paintings and artefacts, including a Gainsborough, as well as 10,000 books and 60,000 historical objects, twice as many that could be displayed in its forerunner.
There is also a new ground floor pottery studio, as well as textile and silversmithing facilities and a digital suite for the creation of short films, videos and other digital art.
4
Apprentices
87.2%
Achieved Local SME
2m
Added Value
9/10
Client Satisfaction
Contractor Performance | Commitments
Fair
99% of regular payments were made within the required period and did not exceed 30 days
Sustainability
Created learning opportunities leading to sustainable employment
Safe
Zero harm achieved
Legacy
Created distinctiveness of Tunbridge Well’s local economy
Aftercare
Applied aftercare and soft landing principles
SCF Framework Manager
Contractor Framework Manager
Guy Dawes
Email: guy.dawes@willmottdixon.co.uk
Phone: 07989179444
Winchester Sport and Leisure Park
The Challenge
A belated appointment at RIBA Stage 4 our newly formed integrated team worked well together to successfully resolve a number of key challenges:
Design Engagement: Current design consisted of two leading architects, drawn together via a local ‘Design Framework’
Facilitated Design: Introducing a Leisure design guide the client benefited input from Willmott Dixon’s ‘yellow book – a speciation application tool’. This improved design time and provided confidence with tried and tested leisure designed solutions. A project feature was the considered ground civil engineered solution, constructing the pools as the existing ground has a high ground water and located near a tributary feeding the river Itchen.
Constructing in a Global Pandemic – the construction period spanned the unprecedented Covid-19 Global Pandemic constantly adjusting adhering to the ever evolving CLC working guideline practices.
The Solution
A new facility comprises a 50m eight-lane swimming pool, 20m teaching pool including a water confidence area, a multi-use sports hall and a climbing facility, 4 squash courts with a movable wall to enable flexible use, treatment rooms, fitness suite (200 workout stations), two large studios, one spin studio and a café, a hydrotherapy suite to serve people in the local and wider community with disabilities.
The Results
Officially opened in May 2022 and membership has far exceeded any forecast. The centre pulled in more than 150,000 people in the first three months and is hailed a success despite constructing and completing throughout Covid-19.
5
Apprentices
100%
Achieved Local SME
15.7%
Added Value
9/10
Client Satisfaction
Contractor Performance | Commitments
Fair
99.9% of regular payments and have payment periods not exceeding 30 days
Sustainability
£1.7m ADDED VALUE – Value gained from activities carried out with individuals, groups and communities where our construction projects are based.
Safe
Zero Harm – extensive training delivered with updated Covid CLC awareness training provided
Legacy
SCF Legacy Hub created – Building Lives Academy delivered
Aftercare
Compliant with SCF Charter
SCF Framework Manager
James Wright
Email: james.wright@hants.gov.uk
Phone: : 07761 330560
Contractor Framework Manager
Guy Dawes
Email: guy.dawes@willmottdixon.co.uk
Phone: 07989179444
RBC Office Rationalisation – 19 Bennet Road
Full Cat B fitout over two floors and mezzanine area for repeat client. The newly modernised office space now houses the Council’s Parks, Highways and Housing Departments. The works also included the creation of a storage facility for the museums and modern records division.
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The Challenge
- Tight programme for roller racking area to achieve critical path
- Old mains electrical panel in plant room required decommissioning as part of the demolition works to the racking areas
- Deliveries logistics to an office block in the centre of a live and busy council depot
The Solution
- We ensured the roller racking area works started as early as possible to meet the critical path. The programme was designed to progress these areas to mitigate the risk of not meeting the handover with the roller racking in place.
- Requests made to the electrical board immediately for them to disconnect and remove the mains electrical panel but still meant some delay to works. To ensure this did not delay the overall programme, we progressed with other surrounding works whilst keeping the plant room out of bounds also mitigating any H&S risks. The sequencing of the roller racking was swapped to ensure the programme stayed on schedule.
- We had to balance deliveries and a shared car park with the Council contractors with the use of a dedicated banksman and one way system. The challenging location meant that large vehicles could not always access the site.
The Results
- After the final demolition, the entire warehouse was re-screeded to ensure the smooth operation of the roller racking and the floor levels only have 5mm tolerance throughout the whole span of the warehouse.
- Once the old mains electrical panel had been safely disconnected and removed in the plant rook, the roller racking installation was accelerated so that the end handover date was met.
- Collaboration, communication and organisation with the Council were key to maintaining a good relationship whilst being efficient with deliveries and subcontractors.
5
Apprentices
94.5%
SME Spend
£147k
Added Value
10/10
Client Satisfaction
Client Testimonials
Contractor Performance | Commitments
Fair
100% payment within 30 days terms
Sustainability
8% waste diverted from landfill
Use of local subcontractors and materials had a positive impact on the local economy
Safe
Zero RIDDORs
Legacy
20 SMEs
5 beneficiaries
2 jobs created
152 trainee weeks
£500 donations to charity
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
James Wright
Email: james.wright@hants.gov.uk
Phone: 07761 330560
Contractor Framework Manager
Alan Smedley
Email: alan.smedley@morgandsindall.com
Phone: 07967 686066
Friars House Re-Cladding
The Challenge
first Recladding Project Undertaken: Friars House is a office block that was converted into a Residential building in 2015, with one additional floor added. The building totals 5 storey’s (8 storey’s including the shopping centre) and is constructed over an existing shopping centre and now contains 71 residential apartments. When the Building was converted from Offices to Residential the building was over-clad with ACM and a EPS render system. Whilst occupied, this project undertook works to replace the potential combustible cladding on the external elevations with materials in line with Approved Document B December 2018 Revision, post-Grenfell.
The Solution
Undertook extensive cross checking with physical inspections. Understand how the occupiers use and plot trends whilst planning operational delivery around these patterns. Plan ahead with extensive logistical solutions in place and test these prior to undertaking any works.
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The Results
Adapted to ever evolving Covid CLC working practices – worked closely with the client to ensure minium disruption experienced. Customer stated: Excellent communication all through the design and construction phases
1
Apprentices
73.3%
SME Spend
£662k
Added Value
10/10
Client Satisfaction
Contractor Performance | Commitments
Fair
99.8% payment periods not exceeding 30 days
Sustainability
Undertook social legacy work-streams and compliance with the Social Legacy Policy
Safe
Zero Harm
Legacy
Aftercare
Handover & Aftercare Contractor Promise
SCF Framework Manager
James Wright
Email: james.wright@hants.gov.uk
Phone: 07761 330560
Contractor Framework Manager
Guy Dawes
Email: guy.dawes@willmottdixon.co.uk
Phone: 07989 179444
University of London, Sebastian Street Law School
Project Information
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
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
UWE New Engineering Block, Bristol
Project Information
Procurement Type: Two stage
Form of Contract: NEC 4 Option A Design & Build
Contract Period: 83 weeks
Size: 8,650m2
BAM has built the new state of the art engineering block for the University of the West of England (UWE) on their existing, busy campus in Bristol, which remained live during the project. The new building provides teaching and research facilities for more than 1,600 undergraduate and post graduate students along with 100 academic and technical staff.
Facilities include engine test cells, wind tunnels and dedicated rooms for specific engineering disciplines such as composite manufacturing, machining and metrology.
The three storey building was constructed out of structural steel frame with in-situ concrete ground floor, precast concrete upper floors and stairs and a combination of Corten cladding and curtain wall as the exterior finish.
A full height atrium forms the entrance which was finished with glulam timber cladding.
The project had a challenging programme, with completion in 83 weeks. To help ease the programme we appointed one of our CAT 1 structural steel frame contractors early in the process. Included in their package was the supply and installation of the precast concrete and glulam timber cladding works and this eliminate the issues that arise with different contractors carrying out the works.
The project was designed in a 3D environment under BIM level 2 requirements thereby minimising design issues before manufacture. During the enabling works period a new site access was formed onto the campus ensuring the site was completely isolated from the rest of the campus mitigating any issues with site logistics and deliveries ensuring the site was secure and the university could continue to operate as normal.
The Challenge
The team worked together to successfully resolve a number of key challenges, notable examples include:
Bespoke Design – The client required a bespoke building that could cater for a diverse range of engineering subjects. Specific areas required very different physical properties, with each teaching space having a unique purpose that needed a bespoke design solution.
Noise / Vibration – Many of the ground floor engineering workshops generate high levels of noise and vibration.
Optimise functional learning space to create more opportunities for learning and a safe inclusive environment for students to flourish.
The Solution
Bespoke Design – The building was designed from the outset to allow for the physical nature of different engineering subjects, with ‘heavier’, material-based engineering on the ground floor, moving up through ‘lighter’ and cleaner engineering forms (for example, hydraulics, acoustic and electrical) on each of the three floors.
More traditional ‘heavy’ engineering subjects such as structural engineering, construction material, mechanical workshops and engine test cells require large spaces that are highly serviced and are typically loud and dirty due to the machinery and processes required. These testing spaces needed to be designed in such a way as to absorb vibrational impact and minimise disturbance to other teaching spaces nearby, achieved through a reinforced concrete ‘floating slab’ mounted on special acoustic bearing pads at regular spacings.
A 1.2m thick reinforced concrete strong wall and strong floor, capable of withstanding 150t, has been designed to enable bespoke testing of construction material and aircraft components. Bespoke anchors embedded within the strong wall and strong floor and a 2.5t lifting crane have also been designed to meet the university testing requirements.
Acoustics – As many of these ground floor engineering workrooms generate high levels of noise, a key challenge for our acoustic engineers was to determine the level of sound insulation necessary in order to achieve acceptable internal noise levels in the adjoining rooms during the operation of equipment. Where necessary, a pragmatic approach between practical design and acoustics standards was reached.
On the floors above this, high-tech electronics labs, modelling and simulation suites and mechatronics labs with robotic arms had different requirements again, needing solutions to the equipment’s high heat gains and sensitivity to noise and vibration. A thermo-fluids lab required floating power sockets mounted from the ceiling to counteract any potential issues from regular water simulations, while a programming laboratory features a large robotic arm, which is very sensitive to the room’s doors opening and shutting.
Optimise functional learning space Combining circulation with social learning space has resulted in a very efficient building with almost every corridor having a dual function. This openness was a key part of the University’s brief, ensuring that the building avoided intimidating spaces to encourage a more diverse range of engineering students.
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The Results
This stunning low energy building provides a state-of-the art and inclusive engineering faculty, that will assist UWE in its aim of encouraging greater diversity within engineering as a whole. In October 2021, UWE Engineering Building was awarded Social Infrastructure Project of the Year and overall Project of the Year at the BCIA awards.
3
Apprentices
£11.8m
SME Spend
£3.72m
Added Value
8/10
Client Satisfaction
Client Testimonials
Contractor Performance | Commitments
Sustainability
The design focused on making the life cycle of the building as efficient as possible, helping to add long-term value.
Low carbon design principles, including natural ventilation and passive cooling, were adopted from the start of the design process to minimize the building’s carbon emissions in line with the university’s ambitious carbon reduction targets.
Energy and carbon reduction targets on this project were exceeded, with regulated energy use. The project achieved a very low A rated EPC value. The building achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating, it’s well insulated and energy efficient. Use of LED lights, PV panels on roof and water harvesting for grey water. The new facility is connected to UWE District Heating system. Natural ventilation and light used as much as possible.
Legacy
96 training weeks
42 career events
34 educational site visits
£146,088 Social and Local economic value delivered
Worked with UWE on future sustainability projects in Africa
Supported PHD students research into construction related information
Provided work experience to a number of construction students prior to pandemic
Introduced a mature apprentice through BAM shared apprenticeship scheme
Aftercare
At the peak of the pandemic, the project team pulled out all the stops to still handover the building clean and fully usable in time for the University to occupy ahead of the new academic year. Key to this was providing the University with early access to undertake fit out works.
BAM pulled out all the stops to still handover the building clean and fully usable in time for the University to occupy ahead of the new academic year. BAM allowed the University site access prior to Handover for its own fit out as this programme was also disrupted due to COVID. This was very much appreciated. Several snags remained post-handover and I have been working with BAM to close these out during the defects period.
Fair
100% payment within 30 days terms
Safe
To avoid construction access through the heart of the campus BAM proposed a temporary road to keep the works completely segregated, this measure along with a separate area for contractors parking and material storage made it it safer to build and minimised construction impacts. CCS Score 40/45
Awards
- British Construction Industry Awards 2021 – Winner Project of the Year
- British Construction Industry Awards 2021 – Winner Social Infrastructure Project of the Year
- Education Estates Awards 2021 – Shortlisted Project of the Year Universities
- Overall ‘Project of the Year’, and ‘Social Infrastructure Project of the Year at the British Construction Industry Awards 2021
- RIBA Southwest Awards 2022 – Regional Award
SCF Framework Manager
Kingsley Clarke
Email: kingsley.clarke@devon.gov.uk
Phone: 07805760622
Contractor Framework Manager
Darren Birch
Email: dbirch@bam.com
Phone: 07920 134843
UK Hydrographics Office, Taunton
Project Information
Procurement Type: Two stage
Form of Contract: JCT Design and Build
Contract Period: 113 weeks
Size: 10,671m2
Winner of the BCO National Awards, RIBA Southwest Awards, BCO South of England & South Wales Awards, Insider South West Property Awards and Project of the Year 2020 for Michelmores Property Awards. BAM designed and constructed the high secure new headquarters for the United Kingdom Hydrographics Office (UKHO) at its existing site, replacing a World War II building. The new facility is a bespoke office designed to meet the needs of one of the world’s leading geospatial information companies. It has two open plan wings constructed in a reinforced concrete frame, linked by structural steel bridges. The project has a BREEAM Excellent rating with its M&E systems being designed for ease of use, low maintenance, comfort, and energy efficiency. The design builds on experience from previous low energy offices, removing unnecessary complexity and improving resilience. Low maintenance materials used were chosen to create an exceptionally durable building and the design has taken a very robust approach to life cycle performance. Wherever possible we have exceeded the minimum standard to ensure that the building has flexibility, longevity and is adaptable to change.
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The Challenge
Bringing everything together under one roof was a central aim in creating a new headquarters for UKHO – so why not make it the defining feature?
The atrium roof proved to be a significant challenge for both the designers and construction project team and required a genuine collaborative approach. The challenge was to create an impressive 800m2 atrium roof to allow natural unobstructed daylight to flood in throughout the day providing essential daylight and ventilation to the centre of the building.
The Solution
The final atrium roof design comprised bespoke 28 tonne precast concrete ‘V’ shaped beams, over 200 modular roof lights and sinuous larch clad baffles which are an integral part of the passive environmental design by eliminating glare and providing acoustic absorption to control reverberation. The 203 roof lights in the glazed atrium roof are opened by the Building Management System (BMS) and allow natural ventilation to the 700 desks arranged on the open plan floor plates.
This required a BIM Level 2 approach throughout the entire supply chain. The benefits to the project included pre-construction coordination, site details resolved early on ensuring robust details, full integration of supply chain design and it ensured exposed services were modelled and installed correctly both technically and aesthetically.
The decision to use precast elements for the roof played an important part in meeting the programme
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The Results
To deliver UKHO’s vison an open and collaborative approach was in place from the outset. This enabled robust employer requirements to be agreed and the design was substantially completed prior to start of the main works.
The final results are truly stunning, the quality, building performance and award winning design is testament. UKHOH has won 10 major awards including two awards at the British Council of Offices National Awards 2020– ‘Best of the Best’ and ‘Corporate Workplace’ and Michelmores Property Awards 2019 – Building of the Year [£20m to £50m]
8
Apprentices
£6.5m
SME Spend
£1.93m
Added Value
9/10
Client Satisfaction
Client Testimonials
Contractor Performance | Commitments
Sustainability
Low maintenance materials used were chosen to create an exceptionally durable building and the design has taken a very robust approach to life cycle performance. Wherever possible we have exceeded the minimum standard to ensure that the building has flexibility, longevity and is adaptable to change. The team has focused on reducing operational energy costs and carbon emissions. High levels of natural daylight reduce the reliance on artificial lighting and an efficient building envelope reduces the heating costs. The natural ventilation strategy has designed out the need for cooling to over 90% of the building. Artificial lighting is automatic throughout and floor plates are lit to just 200lux which provides a calm background light level suitable for most tasks. Every desk is then provided with an individual task light giving user control to increase their light level up to 500lux if required. This strategy provides the dual benefit of user control and energy reduction.
Our structural engineering design is based on a concrete flat slab structure. It was chosen because it worked well for the grid shape of the building, it is very effective for thermal mass, and it is good for services distribution. This structural design solution ensures that by day, heat generated by people and IT etc. is absorbed in the slab, and at night the vents open so the heat can leave the building. The resulting exposed soffits have been designed to become part of the aesthetics of the structure.
The adoption of natural ventilation and the maximisation of daylight were central to the design ethos. The resulting services strategy delivers a space that supports employee wellbeing and a highly sustainable, low energy operation that has significantly reduced costs for installing, operating and maintaining fans, pumps and chillers. A Building Management System controls the opening and closing of the top half of every window in the building, whilst occupiers can control the opening of the bottom half of each window to provide instant access to fresh air, giving them a sense of control over their immediate environment.
– BREEAM Excellent
-Wide use of low carbon /energy saving features e.g. PVs, lighting control and natural ventilation
-GSL approach and BMS fine tuning has kept energy usage to a minimum; saving 30% against historical usage. Helped enormously by the ventilation strategy.
-Cut and fill analysis maximised reuse of excavated materials and demolition waste
-EPC A
-Targeting ‘DEC B’ rating within 3 years of operation
-Optimum orientation for passive solar design – escape stairs and tea points located on the east and west buffer offices from low sun angles
-Mixture of cross ventilation and stack ventilation through the atrium roof
-Timber baffles, hanging from the atrium roof provide acoustic absorption and eliminate glare by diffusing low angle sun
-Exposed in-situ concrete structure provides thermal mass
-Generous 3.5m ceiling heights coupled with narrow floorplates ensure impressive levels of natural daylight
-Brise soleil to the south façade to reduce heat gain
-Automatic artificial lighting throughout, with floor plates lit to 200lux supplemented by individual task lights on every desk
Legacy
£3.2m Social Value delivered
410 apprenticeship weeks & 39 work placements
Charities supported: CLIC & Lighthouse
Selection of contractors based in local area
Use of locally sourced materials and suppliers
Employment of local site management trainee
Sponsorship of college/university students
Fair
100% payment within 30 days terms
Aftercare
Government Soft Landings removes ambiguity and assumptions that lead to confusion. This helped to address hand-over and occupancy issues at an early stage, proving a positive experience the client and staff from day 1. BAM attended quarterly aftercare review meetings for two years, and provided repeat training to FM providers and users, assisting the client in fine-tuning the building’s systems as well as contributing to post-occupancy evaluation.
Safe
Zero RIDDORs
CCS Awards: Performance Beyond Compliance
Robotic window installation
SCF Framework Manager
Kingsley Clarke
Email: kingsley.clarke@devon.gov.uk
Phone: 07805760622
Contractor Framework Manager
Darren Birch
Email: dbirch@bam.com
Phone: 07920 134843
