Cool Designs were engaged by consultants Link MEP in Newcastle, Using the `Model` or `Design Concept` adopted on a previous project (Crowne Plaza Hotel Newcastle) where the outdoors were positioned as close to the risers as possible to minimise piping lengths we developed early sizing. Commenced from Stage 2, and developed through 2022 to final schematics. This included all FCU load discussions including realistic diversities, En378 and physical dimensions. All of these required confirmation even at an early stage.
The 100,000 sq ft refit will provide space to accommodate 352 students in Paddington. Working with Paragon Construction Consultants, FaulknerBrowns Architects and Portland Consulting Engineers, Collins divided the existing building into student bedsits and put in communal amenity facilities, including social areas, a gym and a laundry. The Citi View Paddington refurbishment includes upgrading two-stair and lift cores to comply with current regulations, replacing all 400 windows for enhanced energy performance, and implementing VRF heating and cooling systems with smart controls and building management systems.
Collins Construction divisional director Duncan Redman said: “Union Property Services is an established developer in the PBSA sector and our appointment reflects Collins’ growing expertise in the refurbishment and fit out of student accommodation. We are pleased to be working alongside them to deliver Citi View and look forward to turning a constrained and outdated building into what will be a much sought after product and achieving this within a timeframe that meets their commercial ambitions.”
The M&E/AC Contractor appointed was then Sale Service & Maintenance Ltd. Building on the good work done between Cool Designs and Link MEP, pre-tender stage, Cool Designs transported our invaluable project experience on to support Sale Service & maintenance with all things Toshiba from the beginning. The was centered around helping the mechanical and main contractor to overcome a tricky condensing unit plant location ensuring that the original Toshiba scheme designed to alleviate the need for BSEN378 leak detection, by limiting, system by system, main piped services at roof level.
The next stage was to liaise with the acoustic consultant to find a cost effective solution to reduce condensing unit noise levels shown through planning. This was carried out by Cool Designs on behalf of Sale Service and Collins Construction, to ensure the project moved forward at pace.
There were many other design and selection changes along the way which was expected on a project of this size and nature. CDL worked closely with the site project team, carrying on our design development work, post tender throughout the programme progression
Furthermore, Cool Designs worked with Sale Service & Maintenance to ensure installing engineers were fully trained on Toshiba equipment and controls to allow an extended 7 year enhanced warranty status. We also assisted the commissioning process side by side with the installing engineers to ensure there were no delays or issues and being able to deliver an “on time – practical completion”. This process of extended on the job learning during commissioning was invaluable.
This project has been a perfect example of our “cradle to grave” support to the contract chain.