Finalist |
||
 |
 |
Category: PFI Projects |
Always attentive to managing the ambitious expectations for this high-profile School of the Future, particularly given its formidably fast-track programme, Gareth Edwards nevertheless delivered a superb project, exceeding the client's aspirations by a substantial margin.
Gareth's user focus delivered multiple benefits. His encouraged their early involvement – in particular, that of the newly appointed principal – to help drive the programme by clarifying problems and design issues promptly. The speedy decision-making process underpinned the ferocious pace of construction required by the programme.
His fostering of client collaboration also conferred greater systems knowledge which helped him to explore areas of value engineering and management, transferring funds to incorporate client-driven changes at zero capital cost to the project.
Gareth made sure there was full client understanding of specification before materials and construction elements arrived onsite, arranging factory visits to view the windows, furniture and precast cladding. Offsite was a major project theme to safeguard programme and quality, and the precast envelope enabled early installation of M&E services.
The factory build, combined with minimal removal of excavated material, greatly reduced the vehicle movements in the area. As a result, there were remarkably few complaints about the scheme from local residents.
Gareth assembled a strong team of managers to deliver the project. He then allocated and oversaw clear responsibilities, while personally taking on client and public liaison.
His development of integrated sectional and package programmes helped him to assess progress accurately, and detect and resolve issues before they became problems. He exercised tight interface control in design and programming between the in situ concrete/glulam framework and external envelope trades.
Gareth delivered non-standard sustainability – sedum roofs, rainwater harvesting, a biomass boiler with woodchip feedstock, minimisation of mechanical ventilation through a heat-storing concrete structure. And he did so within (indeed, better than) the constraints of a whistle-stop programme. The result is a stunning structure that has captivated the client and the end-users.
