BUILDING BLOCKSNews from the HCD Group

www.hcdgroup.co.uk

ISSUE 13

IN THIS ISSUETECHNICAL PAGE – REPEAL OF LOCAL ACTS

STUDENT ACCOMMODATION – OVERVIEW OF A BOOMING SECTOR

INSTITUTE TO DEVELOP REVOLUTIONARY GRAPHENE MATERIAL

TRANSFORMING THE KIA OVAL MEMBERS’ PAVILION

BUILDING CONTROL FOR MAJOR URBAN RAIL SCHEME

Image: The University of Manchester

…this pioneering work was awarded the 2010 Nobel Prize for Physics.

A new £61m Institute at The University of Manchester will keep the UK at the forefront of the development of a revolutionary ‘wonder’ material – graphene.

This is a form of pure carbon, arranged in sheets just one atom thick. it is 200 times stronger than steel, is the strongest and thinnest material ever measured, and also the world’s most conductive material. it has a wide range of potential uses, including electronics, flexible touch screens, sensors and in composite materials.

it was isolated at The University of Manchester in 2004 and this pioneering work was awarded the 2010 Nobel Prize for Physics.

The new National Graphene institute will be located on the University’s main campus and is being developed as a world-class centre for research and innovation. it will house state-of-the-art research and incubator facilities including cleanrooms, laboratories and business services. These will be shared with commercial and academic partners to support and nurture application and commercialisation of the material.

The project team includes architect, Jestico + Whiles, with Ramboll providing civil and structural services and project management

by eC Harris. HCD is providing Building Control services to the scheme and has been involved in the design process from its inception. Primary issues tackled by HCD’s team of approved inspectors included the development of a fire strategy for the structure, energy conservation and ensuring the building design complies with DDa (Disability Discrimination act) access requirements.

in order to minimise vibration in the sensitive research environment all service plant will be housed in a four-storey Central Utility Building which is isolated from the rest of the structure. for the same reason, the main cleanroom will be located three metres below ground level in the basement area of the three-storey research block.

The institute aims to provide a model for future seamless dissemination and application of new technologies in the UK. By exploiting the country’s lead in graphene technology, it will help build on previous and future UK discoveries in this area, to find commercial applications and create sustainable economic value and competitive advantage.

Work on site was scheduled to start in early 2013 with an opening planned for early 2015.

WoRld cEntRE FoR REsEARch into ‘WondER’ MAtERiAl

Image: The University of Manchester

Image: The University of Manchester

HCD is providing key Building Control support to a large-scale urban rail infrastructure scheme currently underway in central London.

Valued at £60m, Borough Viaduct is a major transport development with associated retail and office elements. it forms part of Network Rail’s Thameslink programme to increase transport capacity in the south east of london and rejuvenate the area around london Bridge station.

situated in an important conservation area the project consists of a new rail viaduct and a 70m rail bridge spanning Borough High street. The project also involves remodelling listed structures along the route and replacing others with modern retail and office buildings.

a section of the new viaduct runs above the southern half of Borough Market where the Victorian cast iron glazed roof structure was taken down, the historic part carefully restored and then re-erected with modern elements

added. a new basement area was also provided for the market traders with new toilets, services and hard landscaping.

The restored Market now occupies its old footprint and has expanded into a new, purpose-built market hall to provide a high street entrance for the first time in centuries.

architect for this portion of the project, Jestico + Whiles, was also responsible for an associated office and retail development on Bedale street and a retail and office building on Borough High street. HCD is providing Building Control services to these retail and office elements of the scheme as well as the refurbishment of the Market area itself and adjacent properties affected by the development. its experts have worked with the project team to ensure these phases are completed in the tight timescales available to dovetail with the heavy engineering works involved in the wider Borough Viaduct programme.

Main contractor, skanska, began construction in autumn 2009 and the scheme is due for completion this summer.

Building contRol on MAJoR uRBAn RAil schEME

Image credit: Jestico + Whiles

The process of renovating and converting a derelict, listed water tower on the former Lambeth Hospital site in South London into a bespoke luxury home was the subject of an episode of Channel 4’s Grand Designs broadcast last October.

HCD provided Building Control services to the project and its input was highlighted as instrumental in overcoming the many challenges faced when working with such an important historic structure. as an example, a sprinkler system was specified as the most cost effective option for achieving compliance with Building Regulations, given the height of the building and overall project constraints.

Built in 1877 for a former workhouse and infirmary, the Grade ii listed water tower is a landmark seven-storey Venetian-Gothic building with five foot thick walls topped by a huge steel water tank. The 30m high structure provides spectacular views across to Westminster and the Thames. However, the original layout only provided 13m2 of habitable area per floor due to the requirement to retain the existing cantilevered internal staircase.

The solution – originally conceived and produced by two architects working on behalf of the site owner and developed and completed by

aCR architects for the eventual homeowners - involved the construction of two new structures adjacent to the tower:

•athreestoreyblocktohousethedoubleheight kitchen/dining and living spaces which overhang the ground floor garage topped by a private 36m² roof terrace

•anewliftandservicetowerhousingautilityroom, wc and four bathrooms all of which are connected to the existing building by a glazed link.

The tower itself comprises a self-contained plant room in the basement followed by a gymnasium and then five bedrooms stacked above. The original cast iron storage tank at the top of the structure has been retained and converted into a further living space with frameless tinted glazed units offering 360° views of london.

Contractor, Project 1 Design & Build, completed the works in september 2012, a little over seven months after starting on site. steve Ward, Project Director of Project 1 said, “The timescale was unbelievably tight and was only achieved through the goodwill and co-operation of everyone involved on-site. HCD played a pivotal role in ensuring that we started and completed the project without unnecessary delays.”

dERElict WAtER toWER to gRAnd dEsign ..the building falls

within the inner Temple Conservation area..

HCD played a pivotal role in ensuring that we started and completed the project without unnecessary delays.

Image credit: ACR Architects Image credit: ACR Architects Image credit: ACR Architects

Work is underway at St Stephen’s Place Leisure Park, the regeneration of a prominent and long-neglected area in the centre of Trowbridge, the county town of Wiltshire.

HCD Building Control and sister company HCD Management are providing approved inspector and CDM Co-ordinator (CDMC) services for the works at the 3.5 acre site where work began in June.

formerly home to a Tesco store, the site has lain dormant since the mid-1990s. The leisure development now under construction will provide a new seven-screen oDeoN multiplex cinema, an 80-bed Premier inn hotel, a range of family restaurants, cafés and bars, 111 new car parking spaces plus new landscaped areas and a landscaped riverside walkway. once completed, st stephen’s Place will create over 200 new on-going jobs for the town.

Client, legal & General Property, appointed leadbitter Group as lead contractor for the development which was designed by architect, Mountford Pigott.

The site is located in a busy area of Trowbridge adjacent to the existing shopping centre, public recreational spaces and the new Civic Centre. The issues of working within this ‘live’ environment were therefore of major concern to HCD’s CDM Co-ordinator. The site constraints also had an impact on future maintenance considerations for the development, including issues arising from restricted access to building facades.

Work on site is now progressing and the new leisure park is scheduled to open in the autumn of 2013.

toWn cEntRE REgEnERAtion

The issues of working within this ‘live’ environment were therefore of major concern to HCD’s CDM Co-ordinator.

MARKET LEADER IN A BOOMING SECTOR

NEW USE FOR LEEDS PATHOLOGY INSTITUTE

The HCD Group is a market leader in the booming student accommodation sector, where its broad range of integrated consultancy services is highly valued by a growing number of specialist developers.

This is one of the few areas of construction activity to avoid the impact of the global economic downturn and HCD enjoys long-term relationships with some of the biggest players in the industry. Together they are providing accommodation that meets modern standards of comfort, access and sustainability.

According to research by commercial property and real estate services adviser CBRE a record £2bn was pumped into student accommodation in the first three quarters of 2012, up 145% on the same period the year previously. A key driver for investors is the impressive return seen in the sector, quoted as 9.6% as opposed to 5.4% and 2.2% for commercial and retail property assets respectively.

“We built our market-leading reputation by helping clients achieve cost certainty through our proactive approach,” said HCD Director, Steve Highwood. “We work through the design process to help set the benchmark for affordable, sustainable design while offering synergies through our integrated methodology which combines Building Control, Fire Engineering and CDM Co-ordinator services.”

The following selection of case studies demonstrates the range of HCD’s experience in the sector.

A former Leeds University medical building - one of the earliest examples of reinforced concrete construction in the UK - is being given a new lease of life thanks to a scheme to convert it into student accommodation.

The Grade II* listed Algernon Firth Building, formerly Leeds University’s Institute of Pathology, first opened its doors in 1933. Faced mainly in red brick it is being transformed in a scheme by client, Rushbond plc, to a design by Seven Architecture.

There will be a total of 110 bed spaces arranged in 17 cluster flats and 26 studio flats together with on site laundry, gym and secure cycle parking.

“We are delighted to be able to breathe life back into this fantastic listed building which had become surplus to requirements and redundant,” said Richard Baker, development surveyor at Rushbond. “It occupies an excellent location in Leeds city centre adjacent to the Leeds General Infirmary campus and is a short distance from Leeds and Leeds Metropolitan University.”

HCD provided early design stage advice and consultation to permit the use of a single stair arrangement for evacuation of the cluster flats. This was achieved by adopting a pressurisation system within the core areas to support escape and fire fighting operations.

Esh Build, a delivery arm of Esh Construction Ltd, began work on site October 2012 with completion scheduled for August 2013.

s T U D e n T accommodation s e C T o r

We are delighted to be able to breathe life back into this fantastic listed building which had become surplus to requirements...

Image credit: seven Architecture

MaRKeT leaDeR iN a BooMiNG seCToR

Regeneration work underway for London’s City University will see the £58m redevelopment of three run-down halls of residence, provision of a new teaching block and replacement of an existing sports centre on a 1.5 acre site close to the northampton Square campus in Islington.

The scheme, named Pure City, will include the provision of 805 new student accommodation units for the University, a 34,000sqft sports hall designed to sport england criteria and a four-storey, 19,665sqft square feet learning centre.

Pure City is the latest project undertaken by the development team supporting the client, Pure student living. last year saw the completion of the company’s first facility, Pure Highbury, in North london. This mixed use scheme includes

a 400-bed private residential hall, located in a six-storey structure just adjacent to finsbury Park underground station.

Both Pure Highbury and Pure City were designed by tp bennett with HCD retained as approved inspector.

accommodation at Pure City will be arranged over a 13-storey tower and a nine-storey courtyard block. a range of room types will be offered from single studios to en-suite cluster apartments, all housed in a secure building with associated kitchen and communal living facilities. HCD’s proactive involvement has included issues such as fire safety and compliance with Building Regulations on a complex scheme that comprises high-rise student accommodation plus basement sports facilities and office space.

Contractor, Mace is currently on site and the scheme is scheduled for completion for the start of the 2014/15 academic year.

it is estimated that the capital faces a shortfall of 100,000 student bedrooms. in response, Pure student living currently has three schemes worth £94m underway in london, all scheduled for completion by 2014. They will increase the company’s capacity in the city to about 1,800 beds.

REgEnERAtion At citY uniVERsitY

S T U D e n T accommodation S e C T O R

HCD’s proactive involvement has included issues such as fire safety and compliance with Building Regulations on a complex scheme that comprises high-rise student accommodation plus basement sports facilities and office space.

A prominent site at the heart of Southampton’s student quarter is being developed to provide much needed accommodation for those studying in the city.

st Mary’s southampton will provide 697 beds ranging from studios to eight bed ‘clusters’. These will be housed in multi-storey blocks up to 18 storeys high while the 30,000sqft ground floor will accommodate student facilities plus retail. The scheme is designed by stride Treglown and is being developed by Bouygues Development.

HCD is providing Construction (Design and Management) Co-ordinator (CDMC) support to the project. its involvement to date has included assisting the design team and the developer with a comprehensive review of the access, cleaning and maintenance strategy for the premises before the application for planning was made, ensuring the building design is maintainable throughout its life. This has enabled the developer to proceed to planning with the confidence that the design will not require alteration and further planning applications.

The review undertaken rationalised the proposed approach for cleaning the external facades so that one system for access can be utilised rather than several different systems.

HCD’s experts also considered how best to locate plant for the ground floor commercial premises so as to minimise the risk of unauthorised access from the surrounding student accommodation.

following the granting of planning permission contractor, Warings, is expected to start on site later this year with completion in 2015.

In Greenwich, McLaren Property has begun building the Student Village element of The Movement, a mixed-use development by the Cathedral Group PLC and Development Securities PLC.

The property will offer a mixture of en-suite and studio accommodation housed in three tower blocks designed by architect tp bennett. it will provide 358 student beds with 6,500 sqft of commercial space plus an innovative ‘Bike Café’ on the ground floor which will double up as a cycle repair shop.

HCD is providing approved inspector consultancy on the student Village, helping to reduce risk

throughout the design process while meeting the end-user’s specific needs. it has been at the forefront in developing a bespoke fire strategy, in particular advising on alternative methods of fire suppression, with water mist put forward as the favoured option. it is also advising on escape and fire fighting strategies appropriate for an apartment complex with single staircase conditions.

HCD’s proactive approach extends to all Building Regulations including accessibility provision where a reasonable, practical approach has been taken to enable the better use of space resulting in a more efficient building.

Work on site started in october 2012 and is scheduled for completion in summer 2014.

The Movement is a 2.2 acre mixed-use scheme that will see the redevelopment of the former Greenwich industrial estate. it is located adjacent to Greenwich DlR and Mainline Railway stations and is within 1.6km of the four universities that are located within the london Borough of Greenwich.

in addition to the student Village, the masterplan includes 181 high quality new homes, a Travelodge hotel, incubator units for start-up businesses, a health and fitness club, food store and a sustainable energy centre for the site.

southAMPton’s studEnt QuARtER

BEsPokE FiRE stRAtEgY FoR gREEnWich VillAgE

S T U D e n T accommodation S e C T O R

The recently completed Velocity development in Surrey provides quality headquarters office accommodation within the historic boundaries of the world famous Brooklands racetrack near Weybridge.

one of the few speculative developments undertaken in the south east over recent years, the stylish scheme offers 10,000m2 of office space arranged over five floors in two independent, self-contained buildings. There are also 370 car parking and 100 cycle spaces.

The scheme has been delivered by exton estates, with funding by Rockspring. The design and build contractor was Volkerfitzpatrick.

HCD was retained to provide Building Control input to the project team, ensuring Building Regulation compliance from the earliest stages. its commercial approach offered the developer greater cost certainty by mitigating the risks normally associated with the building control approval process.

Work began on site in autumn 2011 and was completed at the end of 2012. The striking structure has achieved a BReeaM ‘excellent’ rating with 10% of its energy derived from renewable sources.

The decision to proceed with the Velocity development reflects the fact that Weybridge is a proven business location with excellent transport connections via road, rail and air, being just 34 minutes by train from london Waterloo. Meanwhile, Brooklands was the world’s first purpose-built motor racing circuit when it was constructed in 1907 and is renowned as the birthplace of British aviation and motorsport.

VElocitY oFFicE dEVEloPMEnt lAunchEs At BRooklAnds

HCD’s commercial approach offered the developer greater cost certainty.

uPdAting A listEd 60’s iconHCD Building Control is working with the University of Sussex to breathe new life into a disused Grade II* listed structure at its campus near Brighton, creating an interdisciplinary arts hub for the University and the wider community.

formerly known as the Gardner Centre, the iconic 1960s brick building was designed by renowned architect sir Basil spence, who was also responsible for the overall design of the campus.

Regular use of the Centre ended several years ago and it is in a state of disrepair. Typically for a 1969 construction that has not been upgraded this disrepair is coupled with a lack of disabled access and a lack of contemporary infrastructure.

it was re-named the attenborough Centre for the Creative arts to mark the involvement of the University’s former Chancellor, lord attenborough, and his family with both the University and the arts.

following the current £7.2m refurbishment programme the updated facilities will include a flexible, level-floor auditorium that can be reconfigured to accommodate up to 350 seats,

an exhibition gallery, a café, studio and small seminar/research-type spaces. The work will also bring the building in line with the requirements of current legislation.

HCD Building Control is providing advice on the main aspects of the refurbishment including fire safety and access for the disabled. in the event of fire the Regulations require that all persons are able to reach a suitable place of safety. However, the Centre is surrounded by steeply sloping banks which are protected by english Heritage. This challenging landscape has dictated the

adoption of a fire strategy that relies on a degree of management to ensure safe evacuation of all persons from the building.

The refurbished building will support multiple activities and will be capable of accommodating up to 800 users at the same time. it will provide 33% more space than originally envisaged by opening out the area underneath the main auditorium.

architect to the scheme is R H Partnership.

Work is due to start in 2013 and is scheduled for completion in 2014.

Image credit: R H Partnership

Image credit: R H Partnership

HCD Building Control and sister company, HCD Management, are providing integrated Approved Inspector and CDM Co-ordinator services to South essex College on the £45m development of the new Thurrock Campus located on the high street in Grays.

The development will provide two new landmark buildings on an existing car park in the town centre offering academic, skills-based and vocational training.

The West Building is set over five storeys including a lower ground floor area incorporating staff accommodation and services. The ground floor area contains a restaurant, health provision, a presentation space, a shop and an advice centre. above this there will be a library and study facilities as well as iCT resources and staff space.

The east Building is set over three storeys and incorporates workshops and studios.

a central multi-use space will link the two buildings extending to an outdoor seating terrace and grassed areas. Key areas such as hair and beauty salons, restaurant and coffee shop will be

open to the public in a move designed to breathe new life back into Grays’ town centre.

as approved inspector and CDM Co-ordinator to the scheme, HCD had an early input, working closely with the delivery team on all aspects of the design. This included careful consideration of the comprehensive fire strategy. as a result, both buildings provide a high level of internal compartmentation together with improved access for fire fighting personnel. each also incorporates an evacuation lift to provide emergency escape, particularly for those with impaired mobility.

Meanwhile, the campus structures have been designed with energy conservation and sustainability well in excess of the minimum requirements of Part l of the Building Regulations.

Contractor, skanska, began exploratory work at the site in 2011 and the new campus is scheduled to be open to students and public alike for september 2014.

architect to the scheme is Kss Group.

intEgRAtEd sERVicEs to dEliVER nEW EssEX cAMPus

HCD had an early input, working closely with the delivery team on all aspects of the design.

tRAnsFoRMAtion oF histoRic cRickEt lAndMARk

The historic Members’ Pavilion at the Kia Oval cricket ground in Lambeth is being refurbished and extended in time for the start of the venue’s 2013 programme of matches.

Plans by surrey County Cricket Club will transform the building – originally erected in 1892 – while retaining its unique character.

When the project is completed the Pavilion will have an additional entrance created to face directly towards oval tube station across a new public square. The new façade will feature classic Doric columns and impressive terraces on multiple levels. it will provide space for a new member’s entrance and concierge lobby which will also act as the Club’s ticket office and front-of-house on non-match days.

internally the long Room bar will be remodelled to open out onto a pair of entrance stairways and the Pavilion Restaurant will also be refurbished and provided with its own south-facing terrace.

HCD Building Control is delivering a proactive approach to the approved inspector role on the scheme. of particular interest have been the issues relating to fire safety which must be approached with due regard to the requirements of the safety of sports Grounds act.

The Pavilion designs were drafted a number of years ago with support from the Duchy of Cornwall – which owns the free hold of the Kia oval – as part of a major redevelopment project. The surrey Tavern was subsequently demolished in 2008 but the project then stalled due to planning issues and the beginning of the economic recession.

Bennett Construction eventually began work on site last october, with completion scheduled for april 2013. architect to the scheme is aDaM architecture and project manager is artelia.

HCD Building Control is delivering a proactive approach to the approved inspector role on the scheme. of particular interest have been the issues relating to fire safety…

Image credit: Hugh Petter, Director at ADAM Architecture

ReDUCiNG THe BURDeN of ReGUlaTioNThe long-anticipated abolition of unnecessary fire provisions in 23 Local Acts took place on 9 January 2013, part of a wave of amendments to the Building Regulations and Approved Documents planned for this year.

Repeal of Local ActsThe changes mean that projects subject to Sections 20 and 21 of The London Building Acts (Amendment) Act 1939 and other Local Acts will no longer be required to meet the technical requirements of those Acts.

The decision has been taken in the light of consultation which found no evidence to support local requirements which went beyond the necessary protection already afforded nationally through the Building Regulations. Previously this had lead to differing and inconsistent rules, even within fire and rescue authority areas.

The local acts predominately related to fire safety requirements for large retail, storage buildings and warehouses over 7000m3, car parks and tall buildings (30m+).

The changes allow less compartmentation in buildings and the omission of sprinklers and removal of smoke ventilation leading to a considerable cost saving for developers. in addition, as there is no longer a requirement for a separate section 20 application to be made, developers will face less bureaucracy with no fees payable.

as this legislation is no longer enforceable the measures previously required can potentially be removed from projects which are undergoing construction, unless these features are provided to compensate for issues under Building Regulations. on completed developments there is an opportunity to decommission or remove the measures required by these acts subject to a review of the fire safety measures, ensuring that the Building Regulation standards and the Risk assessment required under the RRo are not adversely affected. HCD Group can undertake the necessary review on any scheme.

Amendments Coming Into Force on 6 April 2013

Approved Document MThis update to approved Document M on access issues clarifies the use of access statement only where variation occurs to Part M guidance. other changes include:

•Coldtotouchhandrails–revisedguidanceandhandrail dimensions

•DooropeningprovisionsrelaxedtoBS8300levels (30n)

•StaircasedesignnowinApproved Document K.

New Approved Document Kapproved Document K has been reformatted to encompass:

•StaircasedesignnowincludesApprovedDocument M guidance

•Minimumstairwidthof900mmtodwellingsand 1200mm to all other buildings

•Handrailsrequiredbothsidesofstairs of 1000mm or more for dwellings and other buildings

•GuardingupgradedtonewBSloadingrequirements. Bs eN 1991-1-1 and PD66881-1

•NowincorporatesApprovedDocumentN–Glazing impact, collision with open windows, safe opening and closing of windows, access for cleaning windows, protection against impact from and trapping by doors (approved Document N will be withdrawn).

Approved Document BMinor revisions to approved Document B will affect the use of thermoplastic diffusers, introduce clarifications for surface wall linings and upgrade codes for fire alarms, etc.

Warranty Link RuleCurrently when using an approved inspector to certify the construction of a new dwelling a Housing Warranty must be provided. as of the 6 april 2013 this will be withdrawn allowing approved inspectors to operate unrestricted in this market and resulting in less bureaucracy to developers and design teams.

approved Document l

Minor clarifications have been made to documents relating to Part l:

Energy Performance Certificates

This covers the inclusion of energy reports ensuring high efficiency alternative systems for new buildings are considered and documented. it was effected on 9 January 2013 for public buildings and will be effected on 9 July 2013 for all other new buildings.

other changes will see the definition of ‘renovation’ for individual elements clarified. in future, if more than 50% of an element’s surface area needs renovation then the whole element must then be replaced / upgraded.

Consequences

energy reports are now required for projects before site commences, even on smaller, medium-sized schemes that would not warrant this under planning. There will also be a stricter interpretation on renovation works resulting in more extensive upgrades to premises.

applications for new non-Government buildings made prior to the 9 July 2013 deadline will be covered by the existing approved Document l 2010, provided that a start on site is made within a year.

it should be noted that these changes will not apply to construction projects in Wales with the exception of certain categories of Crown and educational Buildings. Please contact HCD for further information.

Contact HCD today to avoid the more stringent requirements.

www.hcdgroup.co.uk

hcd tEchnicAl

The HCD Group offers an integrated, multi-disciplined consultancy to the construction industry. Consistent results have established it as a growing market leader with over 90 staff in nine offices throughout the UK.

HCD Group is a multi-disciplined consultancy with national coverage, engaging self motivated professionals, delivering excellence and meeting both client and company core values.

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