We are pleased to present this book which showcases ... - WSP Group

Client:
Royal Bank of Scotland
Project team:
Architect: Michael Laird Architects / RHWL
Project and construction management: Mace Ltd
Quantity surveyors: Mott Green Wall & Doig & Smith
Project value:
£350M
WSP services:
Building services engineering
Structural engineering
Civils/highways engineering
Geotechnical engineering
Environmental assessments
Acoustic engineering
Specialist day lighting consultancy
Infrastructure designs
Vertical transportation
Construction Supervision
WSP provided a fully integrated engineering design service
■ The development incorporates one of the largest passive chilled
beam installations in Europe and has been awarded the highest
BREEAM rating, even though it is fully air conditioned.The chilled
beam design incorporates an integrated services beam in a
coffered ceiling to give a fully compliant LG3 lighting solution;
■ The services designs incorporate numerous energy saving
measures, with free cooling for a large part of the year for
the cooling systems and heat reclamation for all air systems.
The landscape design has been developed to incorporate the
latest sustainable drainage designs to attenuate rainwater run-off
into the Gogar Burn, and therefore help alleviate local flooding, a
significant problem in the area.Artificial ponds provide a haven for
wildlife, in keeping with the surrounding parkland and the bank’s
objective to minimise the impact of the development on the
natural environment;
■ The structural and geotechnical designs are both innovative.
The frame is a post-tensioned concrete structure to reduce
building heights, create flat slabs and give clear ceiling voids.
Time-saving procedures, such as the introduction of prefabricated
columns wherever possible, enabled the momentum and quality
of the installation to be maintained.The geotechnical designs had
to accommodate the high water table and flow of groundwater
from one side of the site to the other;
■ Detailed design and supervision of all off-site highway works to
mitigate the effects of the additional traffic included a new access
from the main A8 dual carriageway into Edinburgh.This forms part
of a loop constructed on a reinforced earth embankment
providing access to the site for vehicles, cycles and pedestrians.
“The project was delivered to the satisfaction of the
Group Chief Executive, three months ahead of time
and on budget, and the quality of the work has been
acknowledged by numerous awards.This is truly a
world class working environment and the thrill now is
seeing our designs come to life with our staff using and
enjoying facilities like the street just as we envisaged.”
Neil Grassie, Senior Manager working with Property Development
and Asset Management at the Royal Bank of Scotland
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