Intelligent Solutions
Using digital and platform design capabilities with modern methods of construction and carbon reduction tools to create unique places for our customers.
**How we deliver**
for our customers
Responsible Business, Perfect Delivery and an introduction to Intelligent Solutions
Our Responsible Business Plan helps us define how we put our commitments into practice both nationally and regionally, and how we will continue to make improvements.
Creating tailored solutions for our customers
Bringing together digital and platform design capabilities with modern construction methods and innovative carbon reduction tools, to create unique, sustainable and inspiring places for our customers.
Creating value through consistent results
Our philosophy of Perfect Delivery creates exceptional experiences for our customers.
Harnessing our digital & platform-based design tools to create inspiring places
Case Studies
Deploying our MySchool platform design approach to meet Star Academies unique requirements.
Client: Birmingham City Council Value: £17m Duration: 16 months
Scope of works:
Located in Birmingham, the new development comprises of a three-storey main building which houses five specialist laboratories, three IT classrooms and 15 general teaching rooms, including a learning resource centre, a reflection hall for prayer and a state-of-the-art catering facility.
External play provision included a multi-use all weather pitch, a 40-space car park, that included disabled and minibus parking and four electric car charging points, and a four-court sports hall.
600 - spaces created
24 hours - turnaround time for series of design workshops
Completed 5 weeks early
What we did:
Due to a high demand for student places in the Small Heath area, Birmingham City Council commissioned us to design and build the new Star Academies Islamic faith girls’ school which has now created 600 school places for Muslim-faith female students.
The challenge:
There was an urgent need to progress with the design and construction, as the existing Academy in Birmingham's city centre was failing to meet standards and was under critical review. Because the original school was unfit for use, we were also tasked by the council to build a two-storey modular temporary school near site to ensure continuity of the student’s education during the building process.
Our intelligent solution:
In order to move rapidly with the programme of the new build, we used our MySchool solution to fast track the design stage, allowing us to progress with the project efficiently.
Within less than 24-hours of the challenges being presented to us, we brought in our equipped MySchool teams to immediately implement a series of workshops to help speed up the process.
Our MySchool system has been the result of 12 years of development, investment and expertise in delivering automated design and repeatable standardised solutions. It is a design solution which offers the speed and cost-effectiveness of a pre-designed model, but with scope to add bespoke, flexible elements.
Birmingham City Council had no end client at the time, however, late on in the programme, the school was awarded to Star Academies.
Despite coming into the process late, we were able to utilise the flexibility of the MySchool solution to tailor the school’s structure to Star Academies’ strict standards and branding requirements - such as doubling the height in the reflection hall for prayer, all without impacting the final cost.
MySchool is our intelligent digital platform-based design tool that is the result of 12 years of research and development, investment and expertise in delivering standardised solutions. Recognising the education system’s need to scale at speed, MySchool reconfigures several main components while enabling us to design a building that meets the unique needs of each school.
The MySchool system gives you the freedom to choose between traditional, volumetric and panel structures, all while offering considerable time savings both at pre-construction and on-site, as well as added cost-efficiency.
Click the image to learn
more about MySchool
Using digital construction and BIM to improve the design, construction and operation of the building.
Client: Manchester Metropolitan University Value: £46m Duration: 30ms
Scope of works:
A new home for MMU's faculties of Acting, Humanities, Languages and Social Sciences. Reaching seven storeys at its highest point, and with a retained Grade II listed façade, the old blends with the new to provide a 13,000 sqm facility which includes a high specification theatre at its core with state-of-the-art performance, recording and audio spaces throughout.
Using Digital Tools to add value:
4D planning to continually optimise the programme and plan
QR codes enabled us to share BIM model buildings with stakeholders and be viewed from any smart device
An outdoor Digital Information Board provided the public with contemporary project information and data
Laser scanning enabled us to accurately coordinate and design the new elements with the retained structures
360° images taken throughout created an smart photo-album which added collaborative planning and problem solving
What we did:
Using digital construction tools, such as BIM Level 2, we designed a new site at the Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) that was in-line with the building’s current Grade II Listed status.
The challenge:
Not just having to overcome the challenges of COVID-19 and the management of multiple University stakeholders, this Manchester city centre project was located along Europe’s busiest bus routes.
On top of this, there were major demolition works and construction happening next to two Grade II Listed structures which led to many complex hybrid structural solutions being required. Plus, due to the end
use of the building, specialised ‘Box-in-box construction’ was needed for spaces with acoustic/ vibration needs.
Our intelligent solution:
To resolve the project and site constraints, the scheme was designed and delivered using BIM Level 2. This provided greater programme certainty to the stakeholders and helped everyone to understand interface complexities.
We used advanced 3D laser scanning to digitally capture the listed façade in infinite detail and then undertook a point cloud survey to accurately locate and analyse the building’s geometry. This was then
integrated into the BIM model and carefully coordinated with the new building design.
These digital tools helped us identify complexities such as the contiguous piled basement retaining walls and permanent steel restraint connections into the rear of the façade. While others such as 3D
modelling proved crucial for coordinating the complex Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) design.
As the building is home to many specialist spaces such as the Theatre, TV and Radio Studios, there are a number of large, heavily serviced risers running vertically through the building. Using the detail provided in the models, we were able to identify opportunities for where Modern Methods of Construction could be used. The use of prefabricated MEP modules were identified and designed for both risers and primary corridor routes. The risers were prefabricated off-site in 2-storey height modular sections and lifted into the building, improving the quality and safety of installation and saving eight weeks to the programme.
Virtual working also played a part towards the end of the project, as completion took place during the first Covid-19 lockdown. The team quickly defined and implemented ‘new normal’ working practices, including handover tests and training using virtual technologies.
Thank you for all the efforts made by Morgan Sindall Construction to bring the Building to completion on 29 May. I'd like to make a special mention also of the project manager who went above and beyond, latterly in very difficult COVID-19 conditions, to progress the Building. We are delighted with the Building and look forward to welcoming you in due course to some of the exciting events we are planning to hold there.
Abigail Gregory, Project Sponsor, MMU
Our commitment to Digital Construction, underpinned by our company philosophy of Perfect Delivery, has connected people, process and technology; improved consistency; enhanced decision making; and reduced risk for our customers at the design, construction and operation stages of our projects.
Digital Construction projects live on site
Digital Construction projects in pre-construction stage
Total value of Digital Construction projects:
Collaborating
with the
industry’s best consultants
Case Studies
Collaborating with industry leaders to re-think our approach to design and provide the built environment with low carbon solutions.
Scope:
A study that brought together industry experts at stages of a project they wouldn’t normally be present for, giving them more time to think about the impact their solutions are having on the planet and to create sustainable alternatives.
What we did:
In partnership with SCAPE framework, Lungfish Architects, HLM Architects and engineering consultant Cundall, we created the Circular Twin project. This was a landmark digital study that delved into the traditional procurement and design process of a school built back in 2017, and sought out enough changes that helped to make a big difference to the building’s carbon output.
The challenge:
Needing to address the climate emergency, a step-change in behaviours is urgently required if the industry is truly intent on dramatically reducing its negative impacts on the environment.
Understanding that the task was much greater than ourselves, we knew we would have to get industry leaders involved to overcome the misconception that low carbon construction methods are expensive.
Our intelligent solution:
The study brought together all those involved in a construction project, but at stages they wouldn’t normally expect to be, to create a change in the industry and the future of our planet.
For example, the engineering and architectural teams had greater access to the supply chain, much earlier in the process - typically these conversations would happen later on. This shone a light on the expertise within the supply chain and proved that real-time information on design, buildability, cost and crucially carbon could be discussed at RIBA Stage 1.
Overall, this new way of doing things gave the team more time to think about the suitability of their products vs their carbon output.
The team applied their methodology to a two-form entry school built in 2017, and the results were industry-leading:
67% - reduction in Whole Life Carbon
72% - reduction in upfront Embodied Carbon
52% - reduction in annual energy consumption
39% - reduction in forest consumption
This project demonstrates that making a contribution to saving the planet doesn’t have to cost the planet.
A step change in behaviours is urgently required if the industry is truly intent on dramatically reducing negative impacts on the environment. It brings to life the latest industry thought leadership and guidance on how the industry can mobilise to reduce its carbon impacts. It is an exemplar of collaboration that challenged learned behaviour, disrupted traditional processes and brought the supply chain to the heart of the design decision making process.
The research is just the start and part of a long process our business to set open and transparent dialogue in the industry about carbon savings, how they can be made and importantly the impact they’ll have to the future sustainability of our communities.
This initiative has uncovered a revelation - that low carbon construction is inhibited by our industry’s reliance on traditional design and procurement approaches. The outcomes show that achieving low carbon buildings IS possible today.
Louise Townsend, Director of Social Value and Sustainability, Morgan Sindall Construction
Read the full report here:
Working collaboratively to enhance the pathway for SEND school design and delivery.
Scope:
This study brings together experts from the public and private sectors to look at the factors that make up a truly great SEND school and examine how the delivery pathway could be enhanced to secure improved outcomes for every young person with SEND.
What we did:
Wanting to delve deeper into the delivery of a SEND school, we launched a whitepaper called Building Better Futures based on two key commitments:
1. To create a knowledge form
2. Design a blueprint for success
Read it below:
The challenge:
The needs of pupils with autism and learning difficulties is constantly changing and the number of children and young people entitled to funding for further support for complex educational needs has risen - from 240,000 to 320,000 since 2015. Yet, the budget for the high needs block has only increased by 6% over the same period, from £5.6 billion to £6 billion in today’s prices.
Our intelligent solution:
We brought together insights and recommendations from representatives from local authorities in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire; head teachers from leading SEND schools across the region; architects, designers, and consultants with extensive SEND school delivery experience; representatives from national bodies including the National Autistic Society; and parental support groups including Sensational Families.
The report explores models of best practice in SEND school delivery and includes suggestions for shaping future design and delivery of SEND schools, which will better meet the needs of this fast-growing cohort of pupils.
Key findings:
Flexibility is key - Effective building and classroom design is a crucial element in learning and schools and delivery teams need to consider a wide range of issues.
Bring end users on the journey - Delivery teams must engage with users and equip teachers with the tools to communicate the development process to their cohorts.
Prioritise the design stage - Current processes means there is a shortfall in the time available for the design stage. This results in undue pressure being placed on the key design decisions during this phase of work.
Understand the cohort - This will enable an in-depth appreciation of SEND needs in individual areas and the bespoke nature of of the specific challenges the local authority might face.
Incorporating the skills and innovation of our strategic supply chain partners
Case Studies
Calling on our supply chain partners to help restore a Grade II listed building and transform it into an inspiring setting for young people to learn and develop.
Customer: Urban & Civic Value: £38.9m Duration: 17 months
Scope of works:
This project included major structural refurbishment of the existing Rugby Radio Station building into a new educational campus to form a new teaching block, main entrance and dining hall. Two new teaching blocks for STEM and Humanities, a new Sports Hall which will include teaching areas, office accommodation and changing rooms.
18 - months build time
1,000 - students inspired
£22.4m - social value back into the community
10/10 - customer satisfaction score
What we did:
Just one week before the UK went into lockdown in March 2020, we began work on the former Grade II listed GPO Radio Transmitter building to make way for Houlton School - a unique free academy, created in order to meet the needs of the Section 106 Agreement for the 6,200 homes being built in the community.
The challenge:
Lockdown was only the start of the challenges during this project. Due to its Grade II listing, there was a unique complexity to the build, as we needed to restore and match centuries-old brickwork, refurbish the sprawling windows and add substantial square footage to the space without losing its history.
Our solution:
The project challenges were overcome by a creative mix of collaboration between all parties which meant that our specialist supply chain were able to get involved during the design phase, allowing us to lean on their expertise and innovation in listed buildings.
Straight away we met with with Historic England and the conservationists to understand the programme of works.
- We brought in specialist bricklayers to help restore the brickwork and match it where possible, and where it wasn’t possible, contrasting bricks helped to maintain a visual connection to the building’s previous life.
- With the designers, van Heyningen & Haward, we approached Rugby Borough Council and Historic England to explain the benefits of replacing the original windows with specially made bespoke designs that matched like-for-like, and came with high performance results - they can now be opened to mechanically and naturally ventilate the space as it’s needed.
- A process called ‘quilling’ enabled us to remove historic plaster from the brick walls – which led the team to discover issues with the existing fabric and allow the experts to survey the windows properly and check for repairs.
- A specialist Pavatex system was then used to insulate the walls internally – the boards consist of lime plaster bedding, wood fibre insulation and a lime plaster parge coat on top to provide air tightness. A fermacell lining provided a robust finish and maintained a voidless wall build-up that will avoid trapping moisture that could damage the historic structure.
Thanks to a collaborative effort, Houlton School was delivered on time, within budget, scoring 10/10 for customer satisfaction, whilst reinvesting £22.4 million of social value locally.
This project overcame the challenges faced during the pandemic to not only become the heart of what will become a thriving new community, but the perfect legacy to an internationally significant heritage asset.
We’ve delivered on our promise to make the history of this site part of its future. It has been possible because of the collective efforts, the collaboration, of a whole variety of partners that are invested in the transformation of Houlton and Rugby.
Johanne Thomas, Director of Communities and Partnerships, Urban&Civic, and Trustee, Houlton School
Watch the transformational journey of Houlton School below
Incorporating the innovation of our supply chain to reduce carbon and achieve the 10 tonne challenge.
Scope:
The 10 Tonne Challenge was for our project teams and supply chain to work together in order to reduce their project carbon emissions by a minimum of 10 tonnes. The main focus was to encourage greater innovation and transparency of product emissions in the supply chain and a opportunity to capture some best practice across the industry.
Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, Exeter
17,455 - litres of GreenD+ HVO sourced
30% - reduction in exhaust emissions
86% - reduction in particulate levels (PM25 & PM10)
What we did:
We worked with our supply chain partner, Selwood, in a bid to switch to a lower carbon fuel for pumping operations.
Our intelligent solution:
We switched to a lower carbon fuel alternative that produced approximately 90% less emissions than red diesel, improved local air quality - with a 30% reduction in emissions in N0x - and lowered particulate levels by over 86% (PM25 & PM100). Both of these pollutants are harmful to the public’s health and the environment.
The Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) we switched to, is also more sustainable as is manufactured from renewable plant matter and is a high quality alternative to diesel.
Gorton Community Hub, Manchester
551 tonnes CO2e - of embodied carbon saved
10 tonnes CO2e - saved with just one simple change
What we did:
Working in collaboration with our supply chain partners, Border Steelwork Structures Ltd and Arcelor Mittal, we were able to deliver a huge embodied CO2 saving by switching materials for lower carbon alternatives.
Our intelligent solution:
Adhering to the typical embodied carbon benchmark for structural steel, we sourced a low carbon alternative steel for the larger sections of the building and saved an estimated 551 tonnes CO2e.
Alongside this, Border Steel found 320 tonnes of steel beams and columns from Arcelor Mittal, which are produced with arc furnace technology to significantly reduce the carbon associated with the manufacturing process - even if you take into account the shipping overseas and into the UK.
Based on the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) benchmark, the project saved an estimated 10 tonnes CO2e with one simple change: using Hy-Ten for the reinforcement. Working in collaboration with supply chain partners Chartrange Ltd, the project sourced an alterative steel reinforcement from Hy-Ten. The Environmental Product Declaration shows the embodied carbon for the Hy-ten product to be lower than the default generic value. We also used CarboniCa to calculate the embodied carbon savings.
Using modern methods of construction & offsite capabilities
Case Studies
Using modern methods of construction and offsite manufacturing to deliver schools in record time.
Customer: Derby City Council Value: £4.7m Duration: 37 weeks
Scope of works:
Located in Derby, the single storey one form-entry primary school features a large hall, six spacious classrooms and a 26-place nursery. Internally, the large classrooms feature a modern and bright design throughout, creating positive and engaging learning environments.
42 - expandable offsite units manufactured
30% - of working time saved compared to traditional manufacturing
37 - weeks completion time
What we did:
With 700 new homes coming to Hackwood Farm Estate, Derby City Council were in urgent need of a new build 14,000 square primary school in time for the new September term.
The challenge:
With time already not on our side, the council also needed the school to be future proofed for expansion without causing any delays.
Our intelligent solution:
We opted for a modular solution and worked with our strategic supply chain partner, Eco Modular, who manufactured 42 expandable units off-site. The expandability of the modules means they can continue to fit the school’s growing numbers.
Once the units had arrived, they went from foundation level to all modules being in place in just seven days. This saved us up to 30% of project time, compared to a traditional build programme - providing us with a finished school in just 37 weeks, ready for occupation at the start of the September term.
Why Modular?
✔️ Allowed for the construction to run concurrently with the groundworks
✔️ Expandable units to meet the client's future objectives
✔️ Offsite deliveries minimised disruption to the local community already experiencing a high volume of construction traffic from the housing development
Using modern methods of construction and offsite manufacturing to deliver schools in record time.
Customer: Derby County Council Value: £5.3m Duration: 9 months
Scope of works:
The single-storey, 15,510 square foot main building features seven general purpose classrooms, a reception, nursery and a double storey main hall. External facilities include a soft play area, a large playing field, and a MUGA pitch. Students also benefit from a visitors’ garden and allotment area.
9 months build time
45 prefabricated units manufactured off-site
Under budget, thanks to our offsite production and project management
What we did:
With Highfield’s Farm Housing Estate rapidly underway, and a Section 106 Agreement in place, we delivered a brand new school one week early and under budget.
The challenge:
The challenge at hand was to complete the project on time, in the middle of lockdown, and avoid the significant and additional costs the council would have to spend for pupil transportation and temporary accommodation if it couldn’t be achieved.
Our intelligent solution:
We engaged early with all parties to establish the need and plan for an efficient build process. Due to the success of Hackwood Primary School, the council entrusted us to use our offsite capabilities to meet the tight budget and timescales. We also favoured this solution due to the coronavirus-mandated social distancing guidelines that were coming into force. We manufactured 45 prefabricated units offsite safely and efficiently, working closely with our strategic supply chain partner, Eco Modular. Production was unaffected by the on-site challenges facing many construction sites around the country at the time. The result was a successful handover of keys which took place one week earlier than planned as well as being under-budget.
Why Modular?
✔️ Repeated success from Hackwood scheme
✔️ Cost and programme assurance guaranteed from a very early stage
✔️ Crucial timescales to design and deliver the new school
Utilising SIPs to meet the council’s commitment to achieving zero carbon by 2050.
Customer: Buckinghamshire County Council Value: £35m Duration: ongoing
Scope of works:
Located in Aylesbury, works include a new two and three storey 900 place secondary school, with 180 sixth form places and a 32 place Special Educational Needs (SEN) unit to serve the Kingsbrook community. The school’s main hall, sports centre and external sports areas will be available for hire outside of school hours for the benefit of the local community.
900 - secondary school places to be created
32 - place Special Educational Needs unit
10,000m2 - size school
28,600 kwh/year - generated through PV panels
What we did:
Sharing our commitment to green, community-centred values, Buckinghamshire Council asked us to build a new low-carbon secondary school to help meet their wider commitment to achieving zero carbon by 2050.
The challenge:
The challenge was to design a low carbon school so that substantial benefits are being delivered for wildlife and the long-term ecofriendly Kingsbrook masterplan.
Our intelligent solution:
We opted for a Modern Method of Construction, in particular, Structured Insulated Panels (SIPs) for all areas of external wall build-up. We chose SIPs as the preferred solution to offsite construction for it's long-term energy efficiency. With SIPs, we were able to enhance the building’s thermal performance overtime and improve air tightness - making the building easier to heat and maintain, therefore reducing CO2 emissions.
Why SIPs?
✔️ Panels are made out of a recycled material that has little impact on the environment
✔️ Off-site production improves the predictability and efficiency as well as minimises the number of transport vehicles, waste and material
✔️ SIPs as a wrap significantly reduces the programme and minimises the installation period—achieving weather-tightness in a shorter space of time
Using the Streif modular system to build a compact and energy efficient school.
Customer: Hampshire County Council Value: £5.6m Duration: 11 months
Scope of works:
Situated within the heart of the new Stoneham Park development, the two-storey building features 11 new classrooms, group working rooms, a library and main hall. There are also outside playing areas, a bike shelter and scooter park for the pupils to use.
Completed on time and within budget
Audited to ISO 9001 standards
2020 Structural Timber Awards winner
What we did:
Hampshire County Council (HCC) came to us to build their 'schoolhouse model' - a compact and energy efficient school, fit for future expansion.
The challenge:
Stoneham Park Academy would be the pilot project for the ‘schoolhouse’ model. We were therefore tasked with providing a two form entry school for 420 pupils in the local area that was sustainable, and also fit for future expansion.
Our intelligent solution:
We worked closely with the council’s design team and opted for the innovative Streif advanced timber panel system as the preferred option for delivery of the complete building superstructure.
The compact design is based on ‘fabric first’ principles, combined with a mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MVHR) system to improve thermal comfort, indoor air quality (IAQ) and dramatically reduce energy consumption. Streif was also the preferred option, primarily based on the key benefits of an off-site factory manufactured panelised system that had the potential for replication on future projects.
Why Streif?
✔️ The timber panel system is a robust and highly sustainable framed timber construction that is based on low carbon/ energy use
✔️ Offsite production provided quality control and programme benefits as well as reduced the number of operatives on site thereby reducing construction phase health and safety risks and waste on site
✔️ Minimised the risk of coordination errors when working internally
Supporting our customers to decarbonise using digital carbon tools
Case Studies
Using innovative digital tools to help customers manage and reduce their carbon emissions.
Scope:
CarboniCa is our in-house innovative carbon calculation tool that allows our project teams to work with our customers to estimate, manage and reduce whole life carbon emissions through the design, construction and entire lifecycle of an asset.
The tool has been developed to help support and empower our clients to make environmentally friendly decisions based on meaningful and robust data, in order to reduce the harmful effects of carbon emissions on local communities.
Cosham Fire Station, Portsmouth
20 tonnes CO2e predicted saving by altering the foundation design
1 tonne CO2e saving predicated from rationalising steel frame
Potential saving of 82 tonnes CO2e in operational energy
Our intelligent solution:
Using CarboniCa, we were able to work with HLM and Arup (the project's design lead and planner and estimator) at design stage 3 to seek opportunities for where we could reduce carbon at preconstruction stage of the project.
We took the CarboniCa design recommendations for the building and issued to the design team for review. Targets have been set based on the stage 2 cost plan and include;
- Investigation of ground improvement techniques enabling a pad foundation design saving 20 tonnes embodied carbon.
- Rationalisation of column and beam sizes and sourcing of lower carbon steel to realise an estimated 1% saving in embodied carbon (or 1 tonne of carbon).
- For the roof and upper floors, the project team are investigating using the concrete planks for thermal mass to see if operational energy demand can be reduced by 1% or 82 tonnes over 60 years.
177 tonnes of carbon saved by switching frames
70.5 tonnes of carbon saved by switching fuel
Collaborating with our Supply Chain to find alternative solutions
Our intelligent solution:
We worked with our supply chain partner, Sigmat Limited, to find alternative solutions to the project's structural frame. We consulted the client and let them know that changing the concrete frame to a lightweight steel frame would create huge carbon savings.
By using CarboniCa we were able to carry out a comparison of the two frame options and calculate the embodied carbon at practical completion. The lightweight steel frame saved 8% or 177 tonnes of carbon.
Other carbon savings:
Working with our strategic supply chain partner Speedy, we switched from using red diesel to HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil). The project has estimated 25,000 litres of this fossil-free fuel can be procured. This will equate to a carbon saving of 70.5 tonnes. The fuel also results in improved local air quality as exhaust emissions contain less Nitrogen Oxides and harmful particulate matter.
Hailsham Community College, Hailsham
9.65 tonnes of carbon saved by switching the piling technique
Embodied carbon savings calculated from an estimated reduction of 20m3 of concrete and associated rebar
Our intelligent solution:
We undertook workshops in conjunction with our supplier Roger Bullivant to change the piling technique, realising that if we changed this, we could save the client money and reduce their carbon simultaneously.
We switched the piling to a displacement technique meaning less waste soil was generated. In addition, less material (concrete/reinforcement) was required saving money and embodied carbon within the project. The carbon savings have also been calculated for the soil which would have had to be removed for disposal and transported from the project. In total this change saved 9.65 tCO₂e of carbon.
Using CarboniCa, the embodied carbon savings were also calculated from an estimated reduction of 20m3 of concrete and associated rebar.
North Lincolnshire SEN School, Lincolnshire
80 tonnes of carbon saved over the school's lifetime
Heating requirement reduced from 15 to 14kWh/m2/year
Our intelligent solution:
The project is a Passivhaus scheme which demands best practice energy efficiency measures and a very low heating demand per square meter. The required standards were achieved to meet Passivhaus standards and then working with the supply chain, we ensured that the insulation and air tightness was as rigorous as possible without wasting material. By using CarboniCa, the heating requirement was reduced from 15 to 14kWh/m2/year through the design choices of wall and roof insulation.
The project team have reduced the operational energy for space heating even lower than the required standard resulting in a further saving of 80 tonnes of carbon over the school's lifetime.
Focussing on occupant wellbeing and enhancing lives & communities
Case Studies
Using intelligent solutions to create an inspiring space that enhanced social value and wellbeing in the community.
Customer: Hackney Borough Council Value: £97.5m Duration: ongoing
Scope of Works:
Two projects being delivered simultaneously for the City of London Academy Shoreditch Park: a brand new Leisure Centre and a secondary school and sixth form.
Set over four storeys, the stacked leisure centre features swimming facilities, fitness suites, indoor sports halls and outdoor rooftop tennis courts.
The academy consists of 4 and 5 storey construction with a basement under half the building. The building includes 2 large full height atrium areas, a rooftop playground including an artificial grass MUGA pitch and a 615m2 triple storey height sports hall.
42% - of the supply chain live in Hackney
50% - work experience students were from Hackney
60 - were women from the WiC programme
£78.1m - created in social value for the community
What we did:
Delivered a brand-new leisure centre and secondary school to Hackney Borough Council, and worked with the council to deliver five key objectives focusing on the social value and wellbeing the new additions brought to the community.
The challenge:
We wanted to create more than a ‘just a new leisure centre’. We wanted to empower our team to create a legacy that was completely aligned to the council’s five unique objectives.
Our intelligent solution:
Here’s how we responded to the challenge.
Objective: Maximise opportunities for disadvantaged groups and improve employability skills in the borough.
To support Shoreditch Trust in their fight against inequality across the borough, the team sponsored and attended the Elders Fest. This is a special, festive event created for 40 people from the community with different physical and mental disabilities, who would normally be socially isolated.
The team learnt a lot from the residents during this time, and helped us view our work in the community differently. A few attendees even helped our the team to learn a few new dance moves!
Thanks for a lovely evening yesterday. I was most touched by the care and attention that staff and volunteers gave every person present particularly to those, like myself, who were on their own. It was much appreciated to be made to feel so welcome.
Elder’s Lunch participant
Objective: Enrich the school curriculum
The team reached out to students and pupils of the local area to understand what they actually wanted out of their education experience. There were over 1,000 engagements accounted for throughout their time on the project. Armed with this insight and knowledge, the team ensured careers fairs were as important as our on-site deliveries, and we worked closely with the school and colleges in the area to ensure online events continued throughout lockdown. The team also helped to arrange work experience interviews for candidates for Hackney Works
I wanted to say a huge thank you for attending our Discover Apprenticeships Event this week! It was such a great atmosphere and student feedback has been amazing!
Carlo Liu - Westminster Kingsway College
Objective: Partner with employment and training providers
The team worked with Women in Construction to support 60 women as part of a wider employability programme. This included speed interviews and seminars. They also worked with Women at the Well, a charity that helps women whose lives are affected by prostitution.
It not only boosted personal hope to forge a career in the industry and enthusiasm for the varied roles available but also expressed so much gratitude for the million pieces of advice and insight knowledge that was provided to each mentee.”
Aretha Kelly, member of WiC
Objective: Seek innovative solutions to ensure environmental sustainability
One of the team’s most innovative projects was to utilise London’s Cycle Superhighway’s cargo bikes to make deliveries to the site, as they had a hub located next to it.
There were on average three bike deliveries per week and TfL captured this as best practice, recognising that the team were the first contractor in London to make use of this approach.
These little changes led to big savings, as the team found that not only did their carbon output for van deliveries go from 17.1 kg to 0kg, but they increased productivity as cargo deliveries could be made to the site in half the time they would take in a van.
Objective: Work with the community to define and coordinate activities
The commitment to making positive change was driven even further, when in March 2020 the UK entered its first lockdown.
The team persisted with their plan and adapted their residents’ meetings and careers fairs to be online - and quickly. This meant they could still continue and exceed their social value objectives during what was a difficult time for the community.
The final result - £78.1 million created in social value, 79% of the project value (£98.7million)
While reminding ourselves that the stats are impressive, as are the systems such as the Social Value Portal and Local Multiplier 3, what really matters are the individual people that the project has continued to have a positive impact on. That’s what has been the most rewarding for the team.
