• Client: STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
• Programme: July 2013 – July 2014
• Contract Value: £4.2m

PROJECT BACKGROUND

Aluminium overcladding and replacement windows, Insulated cut-to-fall roofing, Removal of patent glazing and replacement with cladding and rooflights, External wall insulation to brickwork areas, Ground level replacement doors, Overcladding and replacement windows to the Link Bridge.

Originally constructed in 1958, Building R1 was extended substantially in the 1960’s and 70’s. Whilst structurally sound, the fabric of the building had reached the end of its useful life – the facade looked tired, dated and no longer reflected the quality of the research undertaken within. Uninsulated curtain walling provided poor internal conditions for staff. A complete new building envelope has totally transformed R1. Despite the presence of many high technology research laboratories containing sensitive equipment, extensive M&E services to be removed, relocated and reconnected and the building being occupied throughout, the entire project was delivered with minimal disruption and no need to decant.

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

“Any construction project leads to disruption, but when you are running a world leading research laboratory with experiments that run uninterrupted for decades it is essential that those carrying out the work are cognisant of this and alter their methods accordingly.   I am delighted that d+b facades not only delivered a stunning improvement to our main building, but did it in a manner that caused minimal disruption to the staff, visiting scientists and their experiments; a quite remarkable achievement!

The original brief envisaged a relatively simple re-cladding project to extend the life of a large, mixed use building. As the project progressed and the capabilities of the d+b facades team became apparent the scope of the contract grew considerably.   The extended contract included a number of very complicated additional tasks each of which was delivered to the same very high specification as the original project. Working with such a flexible and professional team has made this complex project much more straightforward than many smaller projects and I look forward to working with them again.”
Sean Stewart, Regional Head of Estates and FM Rutherford Appleton Laboratory