Archives
Exeter Science Park – Engineering Building
A bespoke ‘BREEAM Excellent’, 3-storey engineering and research building, housing the world-leading VSimulator facility, providing specialist engineering facilities and open-plan, flexible workspace. The facility will play a major role in spearheading Exeter Science Park’s aspirations and reputation for research and innovation, stimulating a knowledge-based economy, delivering jobs, higher productivity and economic growth.
Providing unique simulation capabilities far beyond anything available worldwide, the VSimulator facility will be used by academics and industry to support multi-disciplinary research factors. Helping to address critical issues of human engagement with the surrounding environment, it will present research, commercial and training opportunities within an endless range of disciplines.
The Challenge
Imperative to the successful project outcome, the Virtual Simulation Chamber had to be handed over to the specialist engineers on time to commence installation of the state-of-the-art motion platform and other equipment.
Additionally, the basement concrete floor had to be within a 2mm-tolerance level and strict water-proofing specifications had to be achieved prior to the VSimulator installation.
Further adding to the challenge were complex logistics and mechanical and electrical installations, and the involvement of multiple, including global, specialist installers.
The Solution
Through sectional completion (in October 2019), we handed over the basement to the University for fitting-out of the simulator, whilst the remaining works continued. We worked closely with the University throughout the fit-out works, ensuring this was undertaken safely while the remaining works took place concurrently.
During early design collaboration, we were able to offer our experience with basement construction to align buildable-construction details with specialist tanking manufactured products. It was at this early stage when a significant change in tanking membrane manufacturers occurred and, with the help of our supply chain family, we were able to provide a quick solution to the benefit of the client.
–
The Results
Communication was critical to ensuring we kept to programme, and we successfully managed the co-ordination of overseas meetings, held virtually, regarding set-up, installation and delivery of equipment for the motion platform.
Drawing upon the expertise and skills of the project team, the challenging project objectives were all achieved, to the delight of the client.
2
Apprentices
100%
SME Spend
£ 248,500
Added Value
9/10
Client Satisfaction
Client Testimonials
Contractor Performance | Commitments
Fair
100% payment within 30 days terms
Sustainability
BREEAM Excellent
99% waste diverted from landfill
100% timber responsibly sourced
Safe
Zero RIDDORs
CCS Score 43/45
Legacy
38 No of SMEs
10 beneficiaries
4 jobs created
49 trainee weeks
Schools engagement: 28 students
£200 donations to charity
39 volunteer hours
88% 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
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
Solent University Sports Complex
A new build four-storey steel frame building which includes two sports halls, three fitness studios, a health and well-being gym, a strength and conditioning high-performance gym and high-quality teaching facilities on a live university campus. The scheme also includes underground car parking.
The Challenge
The ambitious vision for the University was to create a new sports facility to improve and modernise the University’s offering and enable excellence in sport, health and fitness related degree programmes and associated teaching and research for staff, students and the local community.
The Solution
The seminar and gym areas of the sports complex are fitted with 20mm soft joints between the room floor slabs. These help to isolate them and significantly reduce the vibration that passes through them. In the weight training area, they went a step further and introduced a cast in-situ reinforced concrete sprung floor. This innovation means that the sports hall can be enjoyed by everyone, no matter what activity they are involved in.
The iconic cladding system to the tower block represents the former use of the site with historical maps – a subtle presence in the perforation in the cladding system next to the standout face brickwork wrapping the sports halls. The building has provided a head turning modern build in Southampton’s old city centre.
The Results
The city centre project was constructed within a 86 week programme, delivering a four-storey sports complex with state-of-the-art gyms for both student and staff use. Along the stacked tower block of gyms and studios, the project had two full sized sports halls; one for multi-use catering for over 13 different sports, the other was dedicated to basketball, allowing Student Kestrels, the university’s leading sports team, a home court. Below the sports halls, basement parking was provided for staff, students and the public as well as accessible parking bays.
The project is a visually stunning, flagship sports facility which is enhancing Solent University’s offering in advanced sports degree courses, and it is already attracting more students to the local area and inspiring people to take part in sport.
23
Apprentices
85.6%
SME Spend
£396,204
Added Value
8/10
Client Satisfaction
Client Testimonials
Contractor Performance | Commitments
Fair
100% payment within 30 days terms
Sustainability
99% waste diverted from landfill
100% timber responsibly sourced
Safe
Zero RIDDORs
CCS Score 44/45
Legacy
36 No of SMEs
59 beneficiaries
18 jobs created & 184 trainee weeks
Schools’ engagement: 577 students
£3,046 donations to charity & 1,845 volunteer hours
84% 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
Solent received the University Bronze Charter Mark award from England Athletics, one of only 6 universities to receive a charter mark award to date.
&
Construction News Award 2020 – Community Engagement Project of the Year
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
Science and Engineering Research Support Facility (SERSF)
Science and Engineering Research Support Facility (SERSF)
Penryn, Cornwall
Project Details
Client
University of Exeter
Architect
Stride Treglown
Contractor
Kier Construction
Value
£8.2m
Contract Period
December 2017 – February 2019
Form of Contract
NEC Option A with design
Project Brief
The design and construction of two buildings for laboratories and research facilities to allow further growth of Exeter Business School, the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences and the College of Life and Environmental Services.
This new Science Engineering Research Support Facility (SERSF) building provides facilities for around 200 researchers and postgraduate students specialising in science and engineering.
The new facility accommodates many disciplines, including the newly established Business School, the Centre for Ecology and Conservation, Renewable Energy and Camborne School of Mines. It is also the new home for Law, Energy Policy and Mathematics
A large glazed atrium forms the main entrance and the vertical circulation route to all floors. The installation of a key operated lift allows lab users to access the autoclave area on the lower ground floor which creates a link for users to transport any contaminated waste, safely through the building.
A new seminar facility provides space to facilitate linkage with external agency researchers in marine science and wildlife research.
“As with previous investments at the campus, the aim is to grow the economy of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, creating jobs and wealth by building on existing education and research assets, and supporting the development of high-value businesses, people, knowledge, investment and research.”
Key Challenges
Previously constructed buildings.
The project consists of three linked buildings. The first phase of the project had already been constructed, which made the construction of the next two phases more complex as we were connecting and linking floor levels.
Existing services and diversions on main vehicular route.
The site was riddled with existing services and diversions impacted the main vehicular route into the campus. These works were brought forward in an enabling package at a more convenient, less disruptive time for the university.
Project Takeaways
Our Success
- Monthly visits were held for the client along with tours around the building at key milestones of the project. Kier also facilitated open door events which proved successful, schools and University departments attended the events.
- The building includes a large proportion of office space as well as laboratory spaces designed and built to an ACDP Category 2 and five separate controlled environment rooms. Parameters such as temperature, humidity and light can be altered to create real-life environments. Extra over to a typical scheme, SERSF 2 & 3 services includes Gas, Domestic Services, Deionised Water, Lab gases – CO2 & compressed air, Ventilation, Fume extract, Cooling – chilled water, DX cooling, Controls, Above ground drainage (incl lab drainage
Our Learnings
- Due to the sensitivity of working on a live environment, thorough logistical planning was put into place and reviewed weekly.
- The building is naturally ventilated, wherever possible, to reduce the energy load. The laboratory spaces are mechanically vented to achieve the highest standard CL2 environment. Of the 5 temperature controlled rooms, 3 are APHA licenced – meaning air locks and extra security protocols were required.
Value Added
- The project achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating.
Court Fields School Extension
Court Fields School
Wellington, Somerset
Project Details
Client
Somerset County Council
Contractor
Morgan Sindall
Value
£736k
Contract Period
32 weeks
Project Brief
Expansion of the existing primary school with the addition of three new classrooms using the ‘Class Space’ standard design. The classroom extension included toilets and was situated on the old basketball court, north of the school’s sports hall.
The client wanted the classrooms to be flexible for potential future use and expansion. Therefore, the internal dividing walls were stud work and the school’s preferred option of radiators were used instead of underfloor heating. The position and orientation of the building on the basketball court area were carefully designed so the school could construct another block adjacent to this one in the future. Other considerations included design items, such as mains cable sizes.
The extension was constructed of steel frame, blockwork rendered externally, with a profiled metal roofing system.
“With pressure already on our existing primary schools, this will help to ease some of that and it is in all of our interests to make sure that any new school provides the very best education for those children.”
“Morgan Sindall achieved practical completion in accordance with school autumn term opening requirement. This included providing access for Somerset County Council and the school for FFE works.”
Project Competencies
Fair
Fair Payment Charter
Sustainable
Sustainable Development Charter
- Thermal insulation improved with revised roof specification reducing operating cost for client
Safe
Health & Safety Charter
- Zero RIDDORs
Legacy
Legacy Charter
- Site visits offered to any pupils interested in a career in construction
Aftercare
Handover & Aftercare Contractor Promise
Community Engagement
Careers Opportunities
- The school were approached to offer site visits for any pupils interested in a career in construction
- Virtual work experience provided during February Half term
Key Challenges
Maintaining the school’s curriculum while working in a live school environment
- We regularly liaised with the school on any specialist activities, such as crane lifting. School holidays were targeted to carry out potentially disruptive tasks, such as removal of soil from site with multiple lorry movements.
Ensuring business continued as normal while coordinating deliveries
- Access for deliveries were planned during off-peak times and larger deliveries diverted to an alternative entrance at the rear, where necessary. Daily communication was undertaken with the school to keep them updated on deliveries and any changes to planned activities. Any disruptive works, such as the removal of soil from the site which required multiple lorry movements were planned during school holidays.
Ensuring the design allowed for future use and expansion
- The internal dividing walls were studwork and radiators used instead of underfloor heating. The position and orientation of the building on the basketball courts area, were carefully designed to allow an addition of another block in the future. Other consideration were also made when designing items, such as mains cable sizes etc., again for possible future expansion.
Project Takeaways
Our Success
- Through early involvement during the preconstruction stage we were able to undertake surveys of ground conditions and services to minimise unknowns and provide cost
assurance. - Excellent health and safety maintained within a live school environment with full secure site boundary, scheduling movement of vehicles during off-peak times and utilising
school holidays for potentially disruptive works. - Completion on-time, ready for the Autumn term and flexibility of the site team allowed Somerset County Council and the school to access the building for FF&E and fit-out.
Our Learnings
- The project was a D&B with limited collaboration required, however the project still required a regular flow of communication throughout the preconstruction and
construction phase to all parties
Value Added
- During the course of the project we value engineered specific products to provide a cost time benefit to the client whilst also increasing thermal efficiency and reducing Whole Life Costs. Various elements were looked at to bring overall costs down such as changing the roof and insulation. For the Whole life Costing, thermal insulation was improved with the revised roof specification which provided reduced operating cost for the client.
KPI’s & Statistics
| Contract | Gateway 2 Planning | Gateway 3 Contract Agreement | Variation |
| Cost | £2,462k | £2,417k | -1/8% |
| Time | 32 weeks | 32 weeks | 0 |
Contact: Alan Smedley, Framework Manager
Email: alan.smedley@morgansindall.com
St Osmund’s CE Middle School
St Osmund’s CE Middle School
Dorchester, Dorset
Project Details
Client
Dorset County Council
Project Manager
Dorset County Council
Architect
Dorset County Council
Contractor
Morgan Sindall
Value
£2.7m
Contract Period
49 weeks
Procurement Type
Construction only
Form of Contract
JCT 2011 SFC
Project Brief
A new build two storey, separately annexed, classroom block extension to the existing school to increase capacity from 5 Form Entry (600 pupils) to 6 Form Entry (720 pupils). The new building, located to the eastern side of the existing school, provides four spacious classrooms, a multi-purpose resource teaching space, and a new dining hall and kitchen. The Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) was also replaced as the new building was located on the existing facilities.
“The governors agreed to accommodate the request and contractors Morgan Sindall were appointed… The school is now reaping the rewards of a marvellous new facility.”
Key Challenges
Live school environment
- The school remained fully operational around the works, an area spanning the sports centre to the tennis courts. The existing facilities which continued to remain in use throughout the school holidays with holiday clubs required the contractors to work closely with the school throughout to minimise the impact on teaching and learning.
- The main school entrance was also the site entrance, so deliveries were restricted and carefully scheduled to avoid the busy school drop off and pick up times. Each supplier was made fully aware of site rules around parking and delivery times.
- During the project, the team needed to work around SATS exams, so they ceased work for a morning to accommodate the quiet time required.
Phasing of the works, sectional handovers and decanting pupils as works completed
- Part of the existing school needed to be demolished. A temporary stud wall was constructed in the drama studio to create additional classroom space until the new facility was ready.
- Children were moved from the drama studio into the first section of the new building once it had been handed over. This allowed the old building to be demolished.
Project Takeaways
Our Success
- A Customer Charter was in place with Dorset County Council, of which each target on it was met.
- Daily “Safe Start” briefings held on site along with fortnightly VOICE meetings.
- Weekly site tours and a training day for the school’s site manager with supply chain present on site to ensure he knew how everything works.
Our Learnings
- Working to a Bill of Quantities and drawings with Contractors Designed Portions, design responsibilities at St Osmunds ultimately sat with Dorset County Council’s architectural team. Morgan Sindall’s Poole office had a great deal of involvement in the original baseline designs, appointed as advisors to DCC on the very first scheme to assist with cost plans and market testing.
- We assisted DCC to the point that they were best positioned to roll out their new product, and with St Osmund’s School the third of four baseline projects we have built (and the first two-storey design) this has been a very positive journey of learning. Four baseline projects have now been undertaken for Dorset County Council, working under open-book contracts on standardised designs and to a performance specification, allowing us to work closely with the client and adding value throughout each contract. Because the same teams have carried out these projects, both internal Morgan Sindall and supply chain, the process on each project has been very slick.
- Continuity in staff and supply chain has offered much improved dividends for us and the client.
Value Added
Value engineering was carried out with the following outcomes:
- The construction of the fins was changed from brickwork to blockwork, negating the need for expensive bricks and speeding up the build process.
- The capping of the fins was changed from timber and lead to aluminium which is cheaper and quicker to install and reduced the need for high-risk hot-works.
- Fire escapes were originally to be glass balustrade with suspended ceilings and decoration throughout. This was changed to a simple handrail and limited decoration, saving approx. £75k overall.
KPI’s & Statistics
| Contract | Gateway 3 Contract Agreement | Gateway 4 Practical Completion | Variation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | £2,707,877 | £2,521,556 | -7.4% |
| Time | 45 weeks | 43 weeks | -2 weeks |
Reading Borough Council – 19 Bennett Road
19 Bennett Road
Reading
Project Details
Client
Reading Borough Council
Project Manager
Hampshire County Council
Architect
Broadway Malyan
Contractor
Morgan Sindall (overbury)
Value
£3.6m
Contract Period
26 weeks
Procurement Type
Design & Build
Form of Contract
JCT D&B
Size
1,308 m2 GIFA
Trainees
5
Project Brief
Overbury successfully delivered a full Cat B fit out over two floors and a mezzanine area for repeat client, Reading Borough Council (RBC). Procured through the SCF Framework, the newly modernised office space will house 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.
Works to the office space included the creation of a breakout area on the ground floor, new toilets, refurbishment of the showers, new tea points, installation of a new lift and redecoration throughout. Structural beams were moved and adapted to ensure that the lift could be appropriately supported. A new structural steel beam was installed under the mezzanine to support the new storage equipment that would be installed on this floor. New roller racking storage and close control air conditioning units and dehumidifiers were fitted in the document and artefact storage areas.
The security of the building was increased with specialist steel doors and updated security systems.
The building is located in the middle of a busy depot which was in constant use throughout the project. Logistics had to be carefully planned; and effective traffic and parking management was key. Maintaining a strong relationship with the client ensured successful and efficient use of a challenging site.
Throughout the project we had apprentices and trainees working on site; directly for Overbury and for our subcontractors.
Key Challenges
Tight Programme to achieve Critical Path
The tight programme for the roller racking area presented a key challenge for the project. We had to ensure that this portion of 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.
To ensure the smooth operation of the roller racking, the floor levels could only have a 5mm tolerance throughout the whole span of the warehouse. After the final stage of demolition was completed in the racking areas, we re-screeded the entire warehouse. This ensured the 5mm tolerance was met throughout the span which resulted in the perfect running of the racking system.
Plant Room Decommissioning
From the validation phases of the project it became apparent that there was an old mains electrical panel in a plant room in the centre of the building that was still live, this was due to be demolished to be used for racking areas. Requests to the electrical board were made immediately for them to disconnect and remove, however there was still to be a delay for these works. To ensure that this did not delay the overall programme we progressed with all other surrounding works, whilst keeping this plant room out of bounds to mitigate any health and safety risk. The sequencing of the roller racking was swapped to ensure the programme stayed on schedule.
Once the electrical panel was safely disconnected and removed, works to remove the old plant room and progress works for roller racking installation was accelerated so that the end handover date was met.
Deliveries Logistics
The office block was at the centre of a live and busy council depot. We had to balance deliveries and a shared car park with the council contractors and the challenging location also meant that large vehicles and deliveries could not access the site.
Collaboration, communication and organisation were key to maintaining a good relationship with the client while being efficient with deliveries and subcontractors.
Project Takeaways
Our Success
- Our open and honest approach meant that we maintained a strong relationship with the client. This collaborative approach and team ethos meant challenges were overcome quickly and effectively.
- We had an experienced and knowledgeable team who communicated well and worked closely with our Health & Safety Inspector to ensure high standards were maintained on our site at all times.
Our Learnings
- The design for the area under the mezzanine office and workshop was agreed late which put a strain on the programme, however the programme in this area was accelerated ensuring the end handover date was met.
Value Added
- Overbury and the supply chain had 2 Apprentices and 3 Trainees. We provided 152 weeks of training in total.
- Renewable/sustainability advice was provided to ensure a regime was in place which resulted in 491.3 tonnes of waste being diverted from landfill that equates to 96.8% of total waste.
- Use of banksman when large deliveries that required us to shut down the depot one-way system.
- Early communication with facilities team for large deliveries that shut down the depot road.
- Use of local subcontractors and local materials had a positive impact on the local economy.
Fulham Cross Girls’ School
Fulham Cross Girls’ School
London Borough of Fulham
Project Details
Client
Department of Education
Contractor
Morgan Sindall
Value
£7.5m
Contract Period
80 weeks
Project Summary
At Fulham Cross Girls’ School, the works comprised the demolition of an old 1970’s science block and delivery of a state-of-the-art science building and gymnasium with bespoke science labs, staff rooms, offices and a double-height gym. The new steel frame building with precast concrete planks on the first floor and roof and external brick and clad facade provides 5 new laboratories, preparation room, sports hall, changing rooms, toilets and staff room. The building includes PV panels and attenuation tank.
The main gym complements the all-weather outdoor facilities with associated changing rooms, storage facilities and offices, and capacity for a variety of indoor sports including hockey, netball, dance, and rowing machine activity.
Fulham Cross Girls’ School new block was handed over successfully on budget in March 2020, safely and without delay following the government guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Project Competencies
Fair
Fair Payment Charter
Sustainable
Sustainable Development Charter
- 97% waste diverted from landfill
Safe
Health & Safety Charter
- Zero RIDDORs
- CCS Score 43
Legacy
Legacy Charter
- 14 apprenticeships, 6 of which were new jobs created
- 7 work experience placements
- 272 Trainee weeks
- Schools engagement: 361 pupils
Aftercare
Handover & Aftercare Contractor Promise
Community Engagement
Career Opportunities
- 14 apprenticeships, 6 of which were new jobs created
- 7 work experience placements
- Women in Construction Day held at Fulham Cross Girls’ School
- Numerous career events and interview preparation days for students
- Enhanced and worked closely with local agencies to achieve ESP targets
Outreach Programmes
- Time capsule and summer barbeque joint activities held at the school
- Morgan Sindall assisted with a ‘Fish and Chips Supper’ at a neighbouring elderly care home
- Morgan Sindall supported the local charity Fulham Good Neighbours including the renovation of the charity’s garden in their HQ, sponsoring their AGM and decorating a local beneficiary’s stairway. They also introduced them to the school enhancing the profile of both.
- Developed relationships with local suppliers and shop including a venture with a local cafe to encourage people to visit with a voucher awards scheme and a local gardening store was used for the site entrance flowers.
Key Challenges
Minimising disruption
The project saw the use of temporary modular classrooms to house students away from the works in order to minimise disruption as much as possible to the overall learning environment.
Last minute programme changes
As of March 2020 and amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Fulham Cross Girls’ School new block was handed over successfully on budget and safely following the government guidelines. Last minute programme changes were made to suit the school amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. Morgan Sindall utilised their labour to help move the school in/out for handover 2-weeks early.
Noisy works
The school remained fully operational throughout the works which required Morgan Sindall to work closely with the school throughout to minimise the impact on teaching and learning. They re-programmed works to avoid noisy works during busy school time/utilising school holidays where possible.
Project Takeaways
Our Success
- Throughout the project we engaged well with the School, coordinating the works around their requirements to ensure that the safety of pupils was the upmost priority. We included the students at various stages of the project, including time capsules, summer BBQ and work placements, including those with supply chain and consultants.
- Foundation design: 142 piles at 300mm centres, total length 1,536m. The piles along with the raft slab form this innovative Comdeck solution that eliminates the need for additional pile cap/mat. This was implemented in partnership with Abbey Pynford and benefits include shorter programme, lower costs, safety, environmental and less disruption to the neighbourhood.
- Offsite manufactured elements: Prefabricated concrete slabs brought in to site enabled the floor and roof to be installed in 3 weeks offering some level of waterproofing. Offsite manufactured stairs could be lifted and used straight away, bringing time and safety benefits.
- Composite roofing units: Kingspan roof cassette system used to sports hall roof offering fast water-tight time scales for its installation.
- Fibre gypsum boards: As an alternative to standard plasterboard, Fermacell boards were used in the sports hall that have high durability and impact resistance so good for use in sports hall. As a result, no wet trades were required for finishing. The Fermacell boards are composed of recycled gypsum and paper so are environmentally better as it has no COSHH substances or additional glues. Also provides good fire resistance, acoustic performance and impact strength.
Our Learnings
- There was a requirement for additional car parking spaces than originally planned; we provided these by changing the logistics for staff parking and providing a better solution for all stakeholders.
- The revised piling/ground works scheme was reviewed collaboratively with the client through early engagement and the new solution resulting in minimised wastage, noise, dust and material use also including the added benefits for the safety, environment, community and cost/programme gain.
Value Added
- We enhanced and worked closely with local agencies to achieve the SCF ESP targets. In total 272 training weeks were delivered across the scheme including 14 apprentices, 6 of which were new jobs created and 7 work experience placements.
- Changing the logistics for staff parking created additional car parking spaces for the school providing a better solution for all stakeholders.
KPI’s & Statistics
| Contract | Gateway 2 Planning | Gateway 3 Contract Agreement | Variation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | 71.7 weeks | 63.6 weeks | -11.4% |
Contact: Alan Smedley, Framework Manager
Email: alan.smedley@morgansindall.com
Sherborne Abbey CE Primary School
Sherborne Abbey CE Primary School
Sherborne, Dorset
Project Details
Client
Dorset County Council
Project Manager
Dorset County Council
Architect
Dorset County Council
Contractor
Morgan Sindall
Value
£1.46m
Contract Period
43 weeks
Procurement Type
Traditional
Form of Contract
JCT 2011 SFC/CDP/Q
GIFA
180m2
Apprentices
4
Project Brief
Sherborne Abbey CE Primary School is located on the western edge of Sherborne. The existing 1.5 form entry (FE) school was constructed in 1999 but due to an increase in the population of the school aged children in the area, the school needed to expand in size from 1.5FE (315 pupils) to 2FE (420 pupils).
A new single storey extension to the western elevation of the existing school was constructed. The new accommodation comprised of three new class bases, food technology room, two group rooms, toilets and associated ancillary spaces, landscape and drainage works. The existing reception area was also extended and internally re-modelled to provide adequate space.
To enable the construction works to progress whilst the school remained operational, temporary modular accommodation was installed and remained on site for 12 months during the course of the works.
The design of the new extension followed the style and rhythm of the existing traditionally constructed school, being a masonry walling envelope under a pitched tiled roof covering. This retained the established strong sense of identity and consistency. The landscape works included new footpaths to link all new external door entrances to existing paths, hard and soft play areas providing fully accessible circulation routes for disabled users.
Community Engagement
Career Development
- Four Apprentices provided with training through the project
Key Challenges
School remained fully operational throughout works
The school remained fully operational throughout the works and with shared site access the contractors worked closely with the school throughout to minimise the impact on teaching and learning.
Site access
Access to the site was via a bridleway that had to be maintained. Prior to works commencing, the bridleway was upgraded up to the temporary site access to avoid damage and mud onto the public highway. Works were agreed in advance with the Local Authority.
Out of hours work
Elements of the project required localised works within the existing school including classroom refurbishment, a new entrance canopy and reception area, service connections and switchovers. These works were carefully planned prior to commencement on site to be undertaken out of school term and at weekends/out of hours to avoid disruption to the school. Weekly discussions with the school took place on the planned works for the work to avoid impact to the day to day operations of the school.
Project Takeaways
Our Success
Throughout the project we engaged well with the school, coordinating the works around their requirements to ensure that the safety of pupils was the upmost priority. Consistently maintaining our relationships with local residents with our just in time deliveries and avoiding peak times with school drop off and pick up times. Communication and training with the school as part of the handover process was well received and resulted in the staff feeling confident and competent with their new teaching facility. Following on from a project review, the team received a 10/10 recommendation score from the client after handover.
Our Learnings
The project was fully detailed and specified with limited CDP elements to the works. Notably one challenge arose surrounding the subcontract complex cut roof design which was to interlink to the existing building causing significant delay to the project. We worked with the client team and subcontractors to find a solution as quickly and efficiently as possible through collaborative meetings to resolve the complex design coordination that worked for all parties.
Value Added
Early engagement with the supply chain particularly with the roof design solution resulted in an overall saving for the client.
KPI’s & Statistics
| Contract | Gateway 2 Planning | Gateway 3 Contract Agreement | Gateway 4 Contract Handover | Variation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | £1,682,019 | £1,682,019 | £1,460,147 | -15.2% |
| Time | 38 weeks | 38 weeks | 43 weeks | +5 weeks |
University of Exeter Northcote House
Northcote House
University of Exeter
Project Details
Client
University of Exeter
Project Manager
Faithful + Gould
Architect
Faithful + Gould
Contractor
Morgan Sindall
Value
£1.06m
Contract Period
25 weeks
Procurement Type
Traditional
Form of Contract
JCT 2011 SFC
Project Brief
The works involved removing and replacing all existing external windows and external doors, providing a new fire alarm and emergency lighting system, new sub-main power installation and new heating distribution pipework and radiators. Due to the pre-construction stage being very short, our team had to ensure a speedy and accurate order for new windows which were manufactured by Nordic and immediately delivered to site for just in time arrival for fitting.
The works were completed within an occupied building out of hours ie all works carried out overnight from 6pm – 7am leaving the areas in a suitable condition for re-use by the building users the following day which included the relocation of furniture and all associated equipment. The works also included floor slab concrete repairs acting as lintels. The works were completed within an occupied building over a series of 24 weekly phases.
These phases were programmed in detail with the stakeholders to incorporate each of their requirements ie to take into account their busy times; for example there was a 3 week period within the central block when it operated as a 24 hour call centre for a telethon. Within the programme, consideration was also given for graduation weeks, exam periods and open days. Each phase was vacated at the end of each working day and all works delivered out of hours. Works also included the erection and dismantling the scaffold around the live building, campus and the car park for Northcote House.
Key Challenges
Senior management occupation of building
The building is the main HQ of the University which is occupied by all of the senior management team at the University including the Vice Chancellor.
The window installation around the Vice Chancellor’s office (Executive Suite) needed to be within strict timescales to be “seen and not heard”. We created a scheduled timetable with the building occupants so they were all aware of busy and noisy periods enabling them to plan their meetings accordingly.
Exam period
There were to be exams held within the building throughout the duration of our works therefore a schedule was worked out around timetables. Works were then planned to commence out of hours and at weekends to hand back the offices on the Monday.
Building remained fully occupied and operational throughout works
To enable the building to remain fully operational without disruption and accommodating the out of hours working, we photographed each room prior to the shift starting, moved all furniture away from the windows ready to remove and replace and then put the room back to how it was in the morning ready for staff to use the office space. The building was a large building and the works as such were done under multiple phases with each requiring very close liaison with the building users within each office area.
Project Takeaways
Our Success
- Cost Management: Throughout the project as contract change was identified we provided quick quotations with supporting information and a detailed breakdown of the costs. All change and instructions were included in our valuation document with a rolling final account figure continuously reported on and advised to the client.
- Delivered within budget: The project was delivered within the client’s budget with the final cost for the contract works coming in below contract sum. This allowed the client to spend additional funds and increase the scope of the project to include additional windows not included in the original scope with a number of additional internal doors and screens.
- Value Management & VE: One area in which savings were made was by identifying areas where internal blind replacement was not required. This omitted a large portion of the works and provided a saving to the client. A number of works within the schedule were also reduced in number to provide additional value to the client in the form of savings.
Our Learnings
- During the works to remove the windows, we encountered issues with the brick work at the heads, this was due to poor construction details when the building was first built back in the 1950s. To rectify this we had to undertake extensive remedial works to correct the head details with temporary work and structural designs. These works were all completed within a week, benefiting the already tight programme/phases. We fabricated our own steel lintels which were bespoke to the project and added another 2 trades into our process of works with great success and no impact to the programme.
Value Added
- Morgan Sindall’s early engagement allowed them to complete a detailed appraisal of the project’s challenges and budget, offering their expertise and experience in dealing with the various logistical, design, financial and very specific working requirements of the project.
KPI’s & Statistics
| Contract | Gateway 3 Contract Agreement | Gateway 4 Contract Completion | Variation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | 24 weeks | 24 weeks | 0 weeks |
Totnes St John’s C of E Primary School Extension
Totnes St John’s C of E Primary School
Totnes, Devon
Project Details
Client
Devon County Council
Project Manager
NPS Group
Architect
NPS Group
Contractor
Morgan Sindall
Value
£1.6m
Contract Period
59 weeks
Procurement Type
Traditional
Form of Contract
NEC ECC Option A
Size
382 m2
Trainees
10
Project Brief
Works at Totnes St Johns CoE Primary School comprised the demolition of the existing temporary classroom and construction of a large two storey steel frame extension to the existing school. The new extension provided five new classrooms, group rooms, new toilet facilities, extension to existing hall and reshaping of the external footprint. The building was heated with underfloor heating and all classrooms had breathing systems installed, drawing fresh air in to the rooms, creating good working environments for the pupils.
The works all linked in to the existing school and required new openings and access ways formed to enable smooth passage from the existing school to the new extension.
Community Engagement
Career Development
- Trainees provided with training through the project
Key Challenges
Working in a live school environment
The school remained fully operational throughout the works and with shared site access and segregation requirements required the contractors worked closely with the school throughout to minimise the impact on teaching and learning. Weekly meetings were held with the head teacher to plan works, ensuring they were planned carefully, enabling all users to maintain a high quality of safety throughout the contract.
High risk activities
Works were sequenced so that the high risk demolition and steel lifting activities were undertaken during the school holidays. We had to keep in regular contact with the school and would speak with the headteacher most days. These were highlighted as key objectives in our customer charter. All possible access points to the construction site were secured with solid hoardings / secured gates.
Detailed client co-ordination
The existing hall was extended to meet the requirements for the number of pupils currently at the school, requiring detailed client co-ordination and relocation of the school front entrance.
Project Takeaways
Our Success
- Throughout the project we engaged well with the school, coordinating the works around their requirements to ensure that the safety of pupils was the upmost priority. We included the students at various stages of the project, including Ivor Goodsite Site Safety presentations, buried time capsules and prayers in the wall.
Our Learnings
- There were several challenges surrounding the structure of the existing school and building which caused significant delay to the project but we worked well with the client team to find a solution that worked for all parties.
Value Added
- Morgan Sindall’s early engagement allowed us to complete a detailed appraisal of the project’s challenges and budget, offering our expertise and experience in dealing with the various logistical, design and financial constraints of the project.
KPI’s & Statistics
| Contract | Gateway 2 Planning | Gateway 3 Contract Agreement | Variation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | £1,304,215 | £1,304,215 | 0% |
| Time | 45.3 weeks | 45.3 week | 0 weeks |
