Blog: SECBE Awards 2022 finalist - Artesian House

07 April 2022

Integration & Collaborative Working sponsored by Swegon

Artesian House (submitted by Martin Arnold Ltd)

Integration & Collaborative Working Constructing Excellence SECBE Awards 2022 finalist

Hyde Housing commissioned Martin Arnold to visit and organise testing of Artesian House to identify potential ACM cladding that would require testing. After conducting a Type 4 survey of the building, the company identified the presence of ACM materials. Following this, Martin Arnold was instructed to design and manage the replacement of the cladding, as well as the decking and balcony component systems.

The highest part of the building stands at 7 storeys. Artesian House has an undulating exterior and comprises three different wall types. These factors both posed considerable challenges to the successful delivery of an effective refurbishment.

Martin Arnold advised Hyde Housing on the various procurement routes available to them. The company  recommended that they buy into an existing framework as this would shorten the procurement process and enable the winning contractor to be appointed sooner, especially Section 20 consultation with leaseholders would extend the procurement process. Martin Arnold used the SEC’s Major Refurbishment Framework to procure EQUANS’ services.

Costs were further controlled by Martin Arnold acting in various roles. As well as being the architect for this project, the company was also the Employer’s Agent and made use of its Cost Consultants to market test the various elements that were to be installed as part of the project. Martin Arnold was not only able to verify that EQUANS’ costings were realistic and accurate, but they were also able to assist EQUANS in procuring materials that Martin Arnold had specified but they were having difficulty in sourcing.

The curvature of the building resulted in frequent design meetings between Martin Arnold, EQUANS, Hamilton and AliDeck at each stage of the project. These were crucial to ensuring that the company had considered key junctions to all three of the wall types, maintaining the required u-values and compliance with the regulations, all while trying to fix straight boards onto curved walkways.

Martin Arnold used its own online collaboration tool, CaSPA, which they use on projects to act as a platform for file sharing and unified storage of project data. This platform has a granular structure that allows sensitive documents to be shared only with the right project team members whilst ensuring all project team members can upload and access pertinent project files. This system is intended to align with the principles of BIM usage on projects.

MA’s enhanced presence on site, with a CoW on site every day, meant they were always available to discuss issues with EQUANS and Hamilton as they were identified and collaboratively formulate solutions. Works were carried out over 50 weeks while residents remained in occupation. Robust Resident Liaison ensured that residents were kept informed and re-assured. Martin Arnold, Hyde Housing and EQUANS organised a series of virtual Resident Engagement events via Zoom to enable us to update residents in a Covid secure manner.

Following completion in the last quarter of 2021, the project received an A1 EWS1 rated certificate. This was the first time Hyde Housing had achieved this on a major recladding project.

Key achievements:

• The project received an A1 EWS1 rated certificate, the first time Hyde Housing had achieved this on a major recladding project.

• Hyde Housing has commended the works and is using this scheme as a benchmark standard for other projects of a similar nature.

• High Resident Satisfaction – 85% of residents surveyed scored the project 4 stars or above.

Client: Hyde Housing

Project Partners: Martin Arnold Ltd, EQUANS, Hamiltons, AliDeck

Find out more about Project's partners:

MARTIN ARNOLD (Website, Twitter and LinkedIn)

HYDE HOUSING (Website, Twitter and LinkedIn)

EQUANS (Website, Twitter and LinkedIn)

HAMILTON (Website, Twitter and LinkedIn)

ALIDECK (Website, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram)

Find out who wins at the Constructing Excellence SECBE Awards 2022 Ceremony on Thurs 30th June 2022.

About the Integration & Collaborative Working Award (sponsored by Swegon): 

Collaborative working is central to the core values of Constructing Excellence and its drive for positive change in construction.  It is most likely to manifest in the delivery of specific projects, however those who can demonstrate a culture across a series or programme of projects show leadership in a sustained approach.  Integration of the supply chain, the client and end users will normally lead to a better outcome satisfying all stakeholders. More info

>> Find out more about the other Constructing Excellence SECBE Awards finalists here