FIT-OUT

GOLD

Building a series of sound studios for the BBC on eight floors of a tower inside a still operational 1930s listed building above two major Tube lines is no easy matter, and Noel Sheehan soon realised that the normal mid-bid representation by a project manager would not be enough to win the client’s confidence for this project.

Sheehan convinced the BBC’s consultants that he understood what they were trying to achieve and won the bid by commissioning a four-dimensional model to show how the studios would be built. It detailed each key construction stage, explained the quality sign-off procedures, and demonstrated Sheehan’s clear understanding of the project’s complexities and interdependency between trades.

With the contract won, the hard work began. Showing the 4D model to the project team to explain how the studios were to be built also had the happy, if unforeseen, consequence of opening up communication channels within the team and fostering a harmonious team ethos – essential for successfully carrying out the complex sequence of trades required to soundproof the studios.

Secondary floor slabs were installed on rubber bearers (to dampen vibrations from the Tube lines 4 metres below) above the existing floors. Sheehan hired a special miniature crane to overcome the access and logistics problems of erecting the one-tonne steel frame for each studio.

During the bid Sheehan had also sent a team to the site to build a mock-up box to work out what lifting equipment would be able to manoeuvre safely into position the massive 600kg triple-glazed windows built offsite.

Because of the nature of the project, simple issues could become quite complicated. To hold down bolts being drilled through the 90mm secondary floor slab, special drilling rigs with gauge depths were used to prevent the slab being penetrated.

Extra care had to be taken with the studio walls composed of three separate layers, each of which was independent of the others, making the quality of seal crucial. Only when a studio’s drylined inner wall was complete would the first acoustic tests be run. Any failure would mean progressive wall demolition until the air leak was located and could be plugged.

But the tests and there were 18 individual tests before the multi-layered walls could be closed up went well, with a high first-time pass rate testimony to the quality of the project. Indeed, Sheehan exceeded client expectations, which were all about quality, and Ellmer was the first contractor on site to settle its final account.

SILVER

Clients love Graham Ward. He leaves them with the comforting feeling that there is absolutely no problem he cannot solve. This project showcases his ability to deal with unforeseen issues pro-actively, finding solutions rather than dwelling on causes.

Take the introduction of a new electrical supply for the building. On investigation Ward discovered that, because of the long lead-in required by the supplier and strict road suspension rulings, this could not be installed until after the proposed completion date. Ward put the team onto the problem and the solution emerged: a neighbouring building had sufficient supply to support the increased capacity needed. Ward’s early intervention thus identified a real risk, and he managed that risk so successfully that the project ended up with a cheaper solution that also avoided disruption to neighbours through road closures and street digging.

Then there was the discovery that all existing lintels on the building’s third floor would have to be replaced. This forced Ward to reschedule the entire project from the original top-down strategy, clawing back much of the extra time the complex lintel replacement would require by taking the time and effort to secure buy-in from wet and finishing trades (who would have to work in conjunction with each other), and allowing the client to install furniture and equipment at the same time as construction work was going on.

Open, enthusiastic and friendly, Ward puts relationships at the heart of his leadership style. One of the ways he gained the trust of the key client representatives was his superb management of neighbours, who could have stopped the project dead in its tracks if not treated politely and courteously. Ward rapidly persuaded the curator of an adjacent ancient church that the essential oversailing of its large glass atrium by a crane to supply the project’s external works would cause the church no problems.

Handed over snag-free with all works complete, this refurb was so successful that it has won Ward and Parkeray a new refurb project, worth £2.3m, from the same client, who has insisted on having Ward as the construction manager for it.

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Adam Bentley ICIOB (Bovis Lend Lease) for EMI Virgin Fit-out Crown House, Hammersmith Road, London; Matt Blowers ICIOB (ISG InteriorExterior) for BP International, Canada Square, London; Steve Crouchley (Midas Construction) for Explorocean, National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth; Richard Petrie (BW Interiors) for Universal Music, Kensington High Street, London; Peter Tobin ICIOB (Wallis) for the Barbican, London; Gary Whittle (Wallis) for Naval Drill Hall Universities at Medway, Chatham.