The works were undertaken whilst the halls remained occupied; therefore, careful planning was required to ensure the health and safety of occupants was considered throughout the project.
The Project consists of;
- Replacement of internal fire doors to all bedrooms and corridor spaces
- Improvements to existing fire compartmentation lines
- Upgrading of the fire alarm, with the design provided by a specialist installer
- Replacement of emergency lighting, with the design provided by a specialist manufacturer
- Redecoration of all affected areas
The Challenge
The main challenge faced during the scheme was undertaking the works within a live environment. As the works, including door installation, were undertaken whilst students occupied the buildings, careful planning was required to ensure a safe environment was maintained throughout.
Make Consulting (Make) held regular meetings with the Main Contractor and key stakeholders from the University to ensure a safe and considered approach was implemented, particularly during the installation of the new fire doors.
There were also programme challenges, as during the summer Cavendish Hall hosted conferencing guests, including under-18s. It was therefore agreed that works within the roof space could commence, whilst the door replacement works were scheduled to take place once the conferencing period had ended.
The Solution
It was clear from the outset that a strict, process-driven approach was required to ensure the smooth running of the project. Make worked collaboratively with the Main Contractor and Client Team to ensure that the appropriate health and safety provisions were implemented throughout the works.
Make followed the RIBA Plan of Work 2020 to ensure progress was consistently considered against time, cost and quality. As Principal Designer, Make undertook a thorough review of the Construction Phase Plan and assisted the University with communication materials to ensure students were made aware of the works and any associated requirements.
Make also stipulated within the tender documents that all operatives should hold an Enhanced DBS certificate, reflecting the requirements of working within occupied student accommodation.
Throughout the project, Make undertook regular site visits, documented site set-up procedures and maintained close communication with the Main Contractor. Live tracking tools via SharePoint were utilised throughout the design and construction phases, allowing all parties access to up-to-date information and supporting effective collaboration with key stakeholders.
Project governance was also a key consideration throughout the project. The works were managed through the University’s clear chain of review and approval via its Financial Approval Board (FAB), Project Management Group (PMG) and Design Group (DG). Budget estimates, design development and delivery programmes were incorporated into regular Project Status Reports (PSR) for review at monthly PMG and DG meetings. This provided transparent governance and assurance that quality, cost and programme remained under continuous review.
The Outcome
Through careful planning and collaborative working between specialist manufacturers, installers, the Main Contractor and key Client stakeholders, the project was successfully delivered within a live student accommodation environment.
The works were completed safely and in accordance with the University’s requirements, providing improved fire protection measures across Cavendish, Hardwick and Chatsworth Halls.
Despite the programme challenges associated with the conferencing period, the project team worked collaboratively to manage the revised programme and successfully complete the works whilst maintaining safety as the primary objective.
Make’s involvement as Principal Designer and Contract Administrator provided the University with continued support, coordination and assurance throughout the delivery of the fire safety improvement works.
