Quad Centre - Derby UK
No-fuss attitude rescues Derby Quad Centre build schedule.
The ‘Quad’ Building is one of the first constructions undertaken under the auspices of Derby Cityscape, the Urban Regeneration Company that guides the rejuvenation of Derby City Centre.
Built on the site of local landmarks, the Hippodrome and the Playhouse, Derby Quad was designed by architects Feilden Clegg Bradley of Bath, to be a modern, innovative IT and Media centre housing two Cinemas.
When final planning was granted during the Autumn of 2005, the project began with completion expected towards the end of 2007.
A key feature of the design was the use of locally sourced building materials wherever possible, and the stone intended for the rainscreen system was chosen from a seam at a local quarry.
When Stonescreen, the sub-contractor originally appointed by Morgan Ashurst (the main contractor) to design, supply and install the rainscreen system, ran into difficulties. the decision was taken to select alternative supply-chain partners.
Domus Facades were appointed to supply the stone-cladding system and tiles; Aliva Engineering Ltd was chosen to install the Metsec® SFS and cementacious board in addition to designing and installing the stone rainscreen system, extending to 1200m2.
The on-site team from Aliva was provided with a scope of works covering four distinct areas.
- Installation of Metsec® and Board
- Installation of rainscreen support system
- Installation of stone tiles
- Installation of coping and flashings
The schedule for installing Metsec® and board was 4 weeks; with the primary objective of ensuring the site was watertight as soon as possible.
Aliva immediately proposed a system in contrast to that which Stonescreen has started and the first task was to totally remove this in readiness for the Metsec® and cementacious board which, when it arrived on site, came in standard lengths and required cutting to size.
By working extended hours the building was watertight within 11 days. To maintain programme schedule, installers were split into teams tasked with initially installing the carrier system along with the insulation and stone as it arrived on site; completing this vital stage within the tight 12-week programme.
Given the complexity of the design, the variety of details and number of modules involved, meeting site delivery schedules for installing the stone tiles was a challenge, but by providing additional on-site facilities for cutting and modifying tiles, this key stage was completed a week earlier than expected.
Aliva’s team worked to a 2 week programme for the installation of the powder coated copings and flashings and took on the additional task of completing the copings over the curtain wall areas.
Specialist tiling, to accommodate several multi-angular elevations and sloping window-details, was undertaken and this final phase was completed on time and to budget.
Despite the many difficulties with this project, Aliva UK provided outstanding levels of service to Morgan Ashurst and their dedicated attitude and keen working spirit minimised the impact on the overall programme or to other supply chain partners.
This prompted Morgan Ashurst’s Project Director, Lee Dobb, to comment:
“We couldn’t have reached key milestones without the team from Aliva; their no-fuss attitude enabled us to minimise the effects of early disruptions to the project and deliver upon the design objectives”
Previous Project | Next Project