Name: Richard Hamlin MCIOB
Employer: Kier South East
Project: Faraday House, Isle of Grain, Rochester, Kent
Contract: JCT 2005
When, just before site setup, the client told Richard Hamlin that it was unable to release a third of the agreed site area for the project, it was merely the first in a series of blows. But for a man who inspired his team by repeatedly declaring “anything is possible”, it proved more of an opportunity than a challenge.
Richard revised his plans to cope with the logistics of the new situation. This was no easy matter given that he had to relocate the site compound, car park and offices within the site working area. By implementing tight controls on materials storage and parking, he accommodated the change without any overall impact on the programme. His smooth handling of the issue enhanced his relationship with the client, contributing greatly to project success.
He adroitly managed the serious risks of ground contamination from heavy metals, hydrocarbons and asbestos − the site had been used as an oil refinery − while progressing the project. The system of advanced sampling and testing he developed allowed excavated material to be suitably treated and reused, minimising the need for storage on the heavily congested site while test results were obtained.
Midway through the project, with the building envelope still incomplete, he was given the toughest of variations. The client asked him to produce four fully operational meeting rooms and welfare facilities so it could host a board meeting three months before the project handover date. Richard’s can-do determination and ability to motivate his team achieved the seemingly impossible target.
He also demonstrated exceptional value management. He brainstormed the project elements that were running away with the budget to bring them back into line. One example was the substitution of a Euroclad standing seam alternative to the Kalzip roofing.
But he also proved that value management is about best value rather than cheapest price. During the design process it became clear that the specified glazing was not compatible with the Termodeck system, which uses the thermal mass of concrete planks to control room temperatures. Richard researched the long-term costs and capital investment demanded by a traditional heating and cooling system and compared it with the cost of compatible glazing. The client chose the latter.
Richard’s outstanding performance cemented an excellent relationship with the client. Its strength is clear from the £1.5m of extra works that were commissioned during this project, and the award of further contracts to Kier.
Value: £7.5m