Advanced Engineering Centre, Bridgwater College

Project Details

Client:

Bridgwater College

Contractor:

KIER

Value

£7.0m

Project Summary

The architectural ideology behind the design was to capture the purpose of the building in its appearance, and produce an ‘engineered’ form. A rigorous control over the alignment of external elements drove this concept, creating continuous lines around the facades, that blend seamlessly between the curtain wall mullions through to the cladding panel joints.

Control over the internal spaces went hand in hand with this, to create an order to the primary facade’s glazing, and draw attention to the spaces within.

The internal spaces are positioned so the classroom spaces receive generous amounts daylight from the large, sloped glazing facade, whilst the workshops, with controlled lighting levels, are placed to the rear of the building.

“Good collaborative approach and great outcome.”

Key Challenges

  • Logistic plans had to be updated regularly and agreed with the College as the only site access was through the heart of the campus and routes to the main car park.
  • Very close monitoring and controls had to be introduced during piling and lifting operations.

Project Takeaways

Our Success

  • A key success for the project was to achieve completion for the new academic year despite a delayed start and without compromising the quality of the build.
  • The Advanced Engineering Centre was based on 320 driven piles to a depth of 20 metres with a suspended precast floor utilised on levels. The main structure was steel with composite cladding to roof and walling which frames the feature curtain walling to the front elevation.
  • A 1200cm attenuation system was installed under the car park as well as relocation of a grey water tank from an adjacent building

KPI’s & Statistics

  • Contractor team performance: 9/10
  • Health & Safety: 9/10
  • Quality Workmanship: 9/10
  • Progress in making good defects: 8/10
  • Collaborative approach: 9/10
  • Overall contractor approach: 9/10