University of Dundee
Client: HBG Construction Ltd (Now BAM Construction Ltd)
Overview: External works at new teaching block including construction of entrance steps, precast concrete and street furniture installation
Timing: February - July 2007
Contract Value: £343,350
Awards: Best Project
This project involved construction of hard landscaping and associated soft works around the exterior of a new teaching block for the University of Dundee. The contract also included the laying of natural stone paving to the entrance Atrium.
The new teaching block site was bounded on two sides by public roads, with the third side being occupied by a new university accommodation block. This meant that the areas in which we could work were very restricted, with limited access and storage. There was also very heavy pedestrian traffic in and around the site.
The hardworks contract took place in tandem with the ongoing construction of the new building. This involved close cooperation with both the main contractor and numerous sub-contractors. In order to progress the works, we had to comply with the main contractor’s programme and staged completion schedule.
Earthworks were carried out around the building to establish formation levels. Limited access and proximity to adjacent occupied buildings (and their underground services) meant working to strict line and level tolerances.
Imported upfill and topsoil had to be brought on to site in small quantities before being placed in situ as there was no space available for on-site storage.
The internal open space courtyard comprised of a soft landscaped area which was graded to contours, topsoiled and turfed. Ducting and electrical cable was laid, allowing installation of uplighters to the newly planted trees.
The courtyard surround footpaths were constructed using textured paving slabs with artificial stone sett trims and architectural feature spaces.
The two main entrances to the building were reached by large flights of steps. Caithness natural stone paving formed entrance landings at the top of the steps.
The steps were constructed using coloured precast concrete units, specifically designed by the landscape architect. They were laid to a pre-determined site plan, with each unit being numbered. The main flight of steps had 16 risers (2.4m rise) with an acute angle built in. It incorporated seating units and comprised 460 separate pieces. The steps were laid onto a concrete foundation cast in situ.
Caithness natural stone paving slabs were laid from the top of the steps to the external building line – and were then continued under the curtain walling into the internal atrium.
The Caithness slabs in the atrium were laid over a floor screed with underfloor heating elements. Special laying procedures had to be observed when carrying out this work.
The contract was completed within budget. It was also on time – important because the completion date had been scheduled around the Queen attending the building’s grand opening.
The main contractor stated his satisfaction with the quality of workmanship and very few snags were reported on completion.