Year

2013

Category

Universities

Client

Durham University

Location

Durham

Project Value

£12.5M

Durham Business School

The redevelopment of Durham Business School included a complete refurbishment of the existing development as well as a major new build. TGA were initially engaged in 2010 and the £12.5m project was completed, on programme, in 2013. TGA designed all the M&E services.

Project Summary

The refurbished accommodation, which dated from the 1970’s, now provides state of the art teaching spaces including a large lecture theatre (260 occupants) and a Harvard Style lecture theatre (180 occupants) in addition to seminar spaces, a library and ICT areas and a media suite. The new build elements comprise a new glazed circulation space, kitchen, restaurant, business lounge, seminar spaces and additional academic and staff offices. Significant ‘social’ areas are also being provided, including a large restaurant with dedicated kitchen, bar / lounge with external terrace and large breakout spaces with ‘curved’ glazing overlooking the external landscaped courtyards.

TGA also provided dedicated sustainability services in order to meet University aspirations.

The University have a strong commitment to their carbon reduction plan and imposed a stringent requirement on the development to achieve a 15% reduction in carbon emissions via the use of renewable technology (a 5% increase on the local Planning requirements). Technologies adopted included approximately 250 PV panels, a 70kW ground source heat pump and energy efficient LED lighting complete with digital daylight controls.

TGA also provided BREEAM design stage assessments via the appointment of a third party assessor. The building was designed to achieve a BREEAM Good rating, with Contractor-led proposals to achieve Very Good being considered by the Client.

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Throughout both Phases 1a and 1b, TGA continuously support, guide and provide the very best technical support for the project, TGA then worked with us on Phase 1c along with other projects on site.

Property and Facilities Manager, Durham Cathedral

Jo Hughes

TGA provided “an excellent proposal in practical and design terms” for the redevelopment scheme at Auckland Castle. Supporting a “compelling case for the Heritage Lottery Fund to invest a significant sum in what we are seeking to do”.

David Ronn

Chief Executive, Auckland Castle Trust

TGA have provided an exceptional service on DUMSCS project. TGA were involved in this BIM Level 2 scheme from the end of Stage 3 and quickly got to grips with the specific project requirements.

TGA had a dedicated resource to support the design team and the site installation team. The approach to closing out clashes was very proactive and worked well, with TGA collaborating and working well with the wider design team and SRM.

Regional Building Services Manager, Sir Robert McAlpine

Paul Taylor

I have worked with TGA on numerous occasions and have always found them to be professional and respectful as an organisation. The individuals within TGA are always willing to go the extra mile.

Their approach to collaboration has ensured that we are ahead of the curve with regard to changes in Legislation and Regulations. Demonstrating skill and knowledge in every aspect of their business, from their interrogation of scheme particulars to presenting findings and providing alternative recommendations for improvements.

TGA have contributed to bringing Willmott Dixon Construction more success.

It is my opinion TGA are dedicated to their clients and will bring their collective expertise to the table in order to make any new ventures a success.

Senior Design Co-ordinator, Willmott Dixon

Stuart Ablett

During the construction of the Learning and Teaching Centre (LTC) TGA were engaged to complete the Construction, design and installation information on behalf the M&E contractor. Their involvement from an early stage enabled the building model to be developed with actual manufacturers information, which provided detailed installation information.

The flexible approach delivered by TGA enabled builders work holes in structural elements to be detailed very early in the programme, which had cost and programme benefits.

A Level 2 BIM model was required for the project, with TGA being very proactive in developing this and guided the site team and other team members with the delivery of their respective elements.

TGA helped to provide a very technically demanding building successfully, which incorporated complex MEP, Architectural and Structural co-ordination.

Darryl Roe

M&E Design Manager, Sir Robert McAlpine

I have worked closely with TGA on many heritage projects. Many of these projects have been on complex ecclesiastical sites.

TGA provide clear and effective advice. The delivery team are conscientious and hardworking and have always given my clients and I an excellent attentive service from concept inception to completion, and post completion to ‘fine tune’.

They are positive members of the design team who are able to bring creative thinking and options to the process.

TGA work well with contractors, providing reliable information, and are effective at inspecting the works as part of quality control.

TGA’s experience in working on many heritage projects means they are well versed in the key challenges and issues faced by historic properties and the need for modern services.

Partner, Purcell Architects

Chris Cotton

I have known and worked with TGA for the last 20 years and have seen them grow from strength to strength to become one of the best design consultants in the UK. Their ability to not only give technical support but also build ability through 3d modelling and BIM is second to none.

TGA work well providing support through project bids and are always capable of delivering technical design schemes, regardless of the size, scale or complexity

Their expertise in BIM, as well as their varied experience, including how they manage the transition between design and construction, is always of benefit in achieving a best value solution.

National Frameworks Director, Imtech Engineering Services

Simon Preston