Why did you advise on the full demo of existing and build new (OPS)
Situation
Station was end of life, required significant intervention
Was asked to produce options appraisal for three construction solutions
Assessment
Assessed
- Full refurb
- Partial demo with refurb
- Full demo and build new
I considered technical feasibility, structural condition, spatial needs, lifecycle performance, programme and cost
Advise
Advised full demo and new build as this allowed for open spans due to the steel frame allowing the client to have more flexibility with the layout and meet spatial requirements. As well as smaller footprint.
Future running costs lower due to fabric upgrades, improved thermal performance and low power energy solutions.
Outcome
Client understood the long term value and efficiency benefits and this option was put forward for their business case
What would you need to consider when advising on demolition vs new build aside from cost implications
- Building condition & Structural integrity
(structural risks)
- Lifecycle performance & Operation efficiency
(Maintence requirements, thermal performance, M&E efficiency)
- Embodied carbon & Sustainabilty
(carbon from demolition,new materials)
- Space planning
(Operational needs, accessibility requirments)
- Site constraints
(Access limitations, can the site operate safely)
Total construction cost for each option
- Op 1: £3.7m
- Op 2: £3.5m
- Op 3: £4.6m
Advising on programme efficiency (OPS)
Situation
Client wanted a high level understanding on programme
Assessment
Looked at elements of the three options that may affect programme
(new build programme, unpredictability of refurb ageing building)
Advice
Advised on the following:
New build (discussed frame options)
Refurb (Programme risk for unknowns)
Outcome
Client understood and made consideration of what advice I had provided
What advice would you give relating to sustainable MEP plant
- Structural implications
(roof and floor loading)
- Building regs
(Must comply with regs e.g.
Part L - energy performance
Part F - Ventilation
Part O - Overheatin
Part B - Fire strategy)
- Consequential improvements
(Upgrading MEP in older buildings may need other improvements:
Insulation upgrades
Air-tightness
Window / roof upgrades)
- Existing vs new build differences
(refurb may have limited capacity, new build can adapt)
Which elements would be technically difficult or cost inefficient to upgrade in the existing building of the Otley police station
- Wall / roof / floor insulation (structural constraints, moisture risk)
- Structural layout (load bearing constraints)
- MEP systems (outdated routes, incompatible with modern tech)
- Airtightness and thermal bridges (requires invasive work, limited improvement)
What buildability risks are associated with partially demolishing an old structure
- Structural stability
- Temp works (heavy reliance on propping and shoring)
- Hidden defects
- Safety hazards
Why did you advise on infilling the basement
Situation
Hendersons had structural issues, scope included a prov sum for basement works until access was granted.
Once there was access, structural engineer provided options for remediation
Assessment
Reviewed options, considering
structural reliability
long-term performance
risk of unexpected conditions
programme impact
financial implications
Advice
Advised infill as it offered
best structural integrity
removed unknown risks
confirmed by engineer to be the most robust
Lowest cost
Shortest programme
Outcome
Client accepted despite losing the space, provided safest, cost effective outcome
What structural risks need to be considered when infilling a basement for Hendersons
- Stability during the works
- Changes to load paths
- Needing to hold weight of structure above
- Ground conditions
- Unknown existing defects
