UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER – HARROW CAMPUS

Improvements and safety work to the link corridor between 2 buildings on Harrow Campus.

The project was the design and build of new external Profilit glazing to the Northwest and South elevations of the link corridor.  This included a complete fit out of the link corridor on all 5 floors and repair works to the brickwork and roof structure plus installation of a new roof light.

This project required a complex scaffolding design and specialist lifting gantry due to the length of the glass panels this proved to be one of the most challenging parts of the project. An initial survey was required to investigate the existing structure and rebars, as there were no record drawings available.  To overcome this, we used both radar and a magnetometer to identify existing rebar.

A temporary scaffold roof and internal screens were installed to protect the building, construction team, students and staff from the weather as well as create safe corridors and construction zones. Extra care also had to be given regarding the removal of fragile, large glass panels which dated back to the 1960s.

The new steel structure had to take into account the glazing and wind loads as well as the differential movement between the buildings where the link corridor had sunk over 35mm since construction.  Only then, could we install the Pilkington Profilit glass into the new secondary steelwork.

Additional works included roof repairs, installation of a roof light and internal fit out. New lighting, ventilation and modifications to active and passive fire system.

We undertook the Principal Contractor role, including the design in relation to the employers’ requirements, Building Control and Planning Conditions. Providing overall project and programme management.

Our services included management and monitoring of all site activities including health and safety, quality and environmental and ensuring stakeholder engagement. We adopted construction techniques in keeping with ‘quiet working’, and facilitated collaborative working and securing consensus on a wide range of issues throughout the project. We provided real-time feedback to the client and their representatives to provide total transparency to stakeholder groups. We ensured a delivery which was in line with the client’s original vision and on schedule.

Working in a live environment always adds extra challenges but there were no adverse health and safety incidents or environmental impacts occurred in the immediate proximity of the site or surrounding area.

In addition there were no disruptions to the normal operation of the University assisted by the assurance of having our management team frequently on site and totally responsive on a daily basis. This all led to a project outcome that was very well received by all key stakeholders.