Name: John Ross MCIOB
Employer: Central Building Contractors
Project: Carrochan, Balloch G83 8EG
Contract: GC Works I
As an experienced joiner, John Ross proved the perfect choice for this project. With green Douglas fir rarely being used for the main timber frame on such a large-scale commercial scheme, the risk element was clearly high. But John’s professional expertise and impressive managerial approach ensured that its erection and the integration of all the other structural timber elements went without a hitch.
This project majored on innovative design and construction. This was the biggest green timber frame in the UK, with a double-curving floorplan, energy-efficient services and a host of sustainable features. Yet everything had to go right because the client faced stiff financial penalties if it didn’t vacate its old premises by the handover date.
That everything did go right owes a great deal to John’s leadership of the project. He took an integrated team approach, cultivating open and non-adversarial relationships. Accommodating when design changes were requested, and ready with advice on how to achieve them without affecting the programme, he was also confident and realistic enough to tell the team straight when changes could not be made.
John steered the design development through regular meetings and constantly thought ahead. He took the time to resolve the anticipated co-ordination problems arising from the interface between the green timber frame and the envelope, services and finishes. And he built in the flexibility to deal with utilities diversions and supplies, difficult interfaces, and the specific accreditation and certification required by innovative services such as the biomass boiler.
He realised the design without compromising quality, functionality or performance. He promoted buildability and made substantial value-engineering savings that were shared with the client. For example, he rationalised the foundation and drainage design to accommodate a major culvert, and adjusted ground levels to allow the recycling of excavated materials onsite. His introduction of a major M&E partner at the outset facilitated the further rationalisation of services and controls.
Most of all he brought an awesome ability to deliver quality. The project contained a high number of self-finished natural materials – timber frame, stone walling, slate roofing and flooring, larch cladding – all of which had to follow the double-curved floorplan. John offered the careful planning and sequencing, the intricate setting out and detailing needed to make it all work. And he backed it up by employing competent specialists, appropriate materials and practical detailing.
The project has garnered a slew of awards. It was also completed safely, on programme and within budget. A formidable performance.
Value: £5m