Exeter Science Park – Engineering Building

  • Client

    University of Exeter

  • Contractor

  • Value

    £4.1m

  • Completion Date

    January 2020

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

“The project had the potential for a lot of obstacles due to the nature of the initial procurement and the late change of the client but all the strategies put in place ironed out such issues. During the complex bespoke-fit-out the exceptional partnership between Morgan Sindall and the University made this look easy. Strong relationships have been formed and which made for a great success for project. The assistance from Morgan Sindall was invaluable. Very enjoyable and loved the ‘get on with it’ attitude from the site team.”

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