Name: Paul McCrorey MCIOB
Employer: Sir Robert McAlpine
Project: Marie Curie Hospice, Glasgow
Contract: SBC 1999
Paul McCrorey’s unfailingly cool and controlled management brought great success to this challenging scheme on a steeply sloping brownfield site within the grounds of a hospital.
His design input was invaluable. His suggestion of relocating the dining facilities from the ground floor to the first floor reduced the excavation required. And he proposed the crucial project innovation, changing the specification of the complex system of retaining walls to waterproof concrete.
The alteration eliminated the need for traditional waterproofing to the back of the walls. It also allowed works to progress regardless of weather conditions. This key consideration recovered eight of the 11 weeks lost following the surprise discovery of poor ground conditions.
Paul also introduced bespoke scaffold ties that allowed the envelope to be constructed unhindered, with only minimal patching to the render when they were removed. And his structural simplifications of straightening the elevations and reducing the overhang of the eaves further benefited the budget.
His proactive approach helped iron out the many co-ordination issues, particularly for the services, which needed careful integration with the building fabric. And he incorporated a client package of 50 additional work items into the contract without stretching the programme.
Paul never allowed site impetus to be lost. He managed his own team positively and got the best out of the key subcontractors. His ability to see the big picture kept the whole team focused on the overall project goals while he carefully kept control of site logistics and ensured there was no unnecessary noise or waste.
Value: £16.5m