ISG celebrated reaching the highest point in the construction of the new campus building at Richmond upon Thames College by hosting a topping out ceremony where Liberal Democrat Party leader and MP for Twickenham, Sir Vince Cable, tightened the final bolt on the steel frame. More than 100 guests from
A new building designed by London-based practice, Walters & Cohen Architects, has been opened at Newnham College, Cambridge. In 2014, Walters & Cohen won an architectural competition to design new accommodation for Newnham College, one of the 31 colleges of the University of Cambridge. The original brief was to design
‘Forma’ and ‘Vecta’ decorative metal casings from Encasement have been used on a project at Saint Richard Reynolds Catholic College in Twickenham to conceal structural steelwork around a new courtyard walkway, as part of its recently opened £14 million teaching block. Designed by DHP Building Design Consultants and built by main
ISG celebrated reaching the highest point in the construction of the new campus building at Richmond upon Thames College by hosting a topping out ceremony where Liberal Democrat Party leader and MP for Twickenham, Sir Vince Cable, tightened the final bolt on the steel frame. More than 100 guests from the college, ISG’s supply chain and its associated partners attended the event to mark the completion of the building’s shell and core, bringing the College’s vision to create a world class post-16 centre of excellence closer to realisation. As he addressed the attendees, Sir Vince Cable said: “This outstanding building will turn this college into place of distinction for vocational and educational training and apprenticeships in the region, and I’m really proud to be associated with the project. “We have to make sure the further education sector in the UK is properly supported. Post-school education is not just about universities and having a successful further education sector is absolutely critical to the future of the country. I am delighted that the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames is hosting such a forward-thinking project and I would like to say well done to everybody who has been involved in bringing it to fruition.” Steven McGee from ISG, as well as project partners, including Fusion, Atkins and Faithful+Gould also addressed the delegates on the day, alongside Gerard Toplass from procurement and management services provider, PAGABO, who revealed that the £35 million project has generated more than £53 million of social value in Richmond, including the creation of 10 apprenticeships and 41 new jobs, to date. Steven McGee, managing director of ISG’s UK Construction South division, explained: “A great deal of hard work, creative thinking and collaboration has bought this project to this key milestone. This event marks a significant moment in the delivery of this legacy project for the region, and it’s a moment to pause and reflect on the strong partnerships and joint endeavor that is bringing this exceptional facility to life.” “The Richmond Building will act as a beacon for the community, attracting the brightest students in the region, and the best talent in FE teaching, and ISG is already playing its part in this vision. Throughout the course of the project, we have engaged with young people in Richmond to drive employment and upskilling opportunities. Our Level 3 Diploma in Professional Construction Practice (PCP), which will be rolled out – in conjunction with the college – from this September. We welcome the engagement from our partners, the college and the local community as we continue to create a positive legacy in Richmond for generations to come.” Robin Ghurbhurun, RuTC’s Chief Executive and Principal added: “The vision is to create a flagship college that will not only benefit Richmond borough residents but also become a major careers hub and community destination for students and employers. Colleges are vital in driving social mobility and providing the skills to boost local and regional economies by providing high quality technical and professional education and training for young people, adults and employers.” The building is due for completion, early 2020.
A new building designed by London-based practice, Walters & Cohen Architects, has been opened at Newnham College, Cambridge. In 2014, Walters & Cohen won an architectural competition to design new accommodation for Newnham College, one of the 31 colleges of the University of Cambridge. The original brief was to design a new 75-bedroom student residence at the southern end of the campus. However, during the feasibility study an alternative option was developed that integrated new accommodation in among the existing College buildings, leaving the beautiful gardens unspoilt. The Dorothy Garrod building comprises a new entrance, a welcoming Porters’ Lodge, conference facilities, a rooftop gym, staff offices, meeting and supervision rooms, 86 generous en-suite student bedrooms, kitchen/social areas with plenty of space to cook and eat together, and a popular new café that invites students to linger, work and socialise. 19 bedrooms and two kitchens in the neighbouring Fawcett building were also refurbished, and the rooftop terrace allows Newnhamites to appreciate their beautiful College from an entirely new perspective. Working with Newnham’s project team, special interest groups, students, staff and Fellows ensured that the building meets the College’s needs and is entirely unique to them. The new frontage creates a stronger presence on Sidgwick Avenue without imposing on the historic buildings and gardens. Landscape works are integral to the design, with the building wrapping around a new courtyard garden, and carefully considered interstitial spaces improve visual and physical links between buildings. Integrating the student residence, offices, porters’ lodge and café in one building has created a stronger sense of community and forms the heart of the College. Cindy Walters, Director at Walters & Cohen Architects, said: ‘It has been a huge honour and privilege for us to work with Newnham College to deliver their bold strategic vision. Since winning the design competition four years ago, we have worked with students, administrators, College interest groups and Fellows to ensure that the new building meets the needs of the College, fits into its very unique context and delivers twenty-first-century facilities. The new Porters’ Lodge and entrance was the greatest challenge. It offers a warm welcome, connects the street to a new garden, connects the College to a new café, conference facility and offices, and contains art and artefacts that are specific to Newnham. In the new entrance we have created a space that could not be anywhere else in Oxbridge or the world.’ Professor Dame Carol Black, Principal of Newnham College, said: “This is a building worthy of celebration, one which gives the students of Newnham College a sense of pride and aspiration. It embraces our glorious gardens, with the new en-suite bedrooms looking out over trees on every side. Our architects Walters & Cohen have designed a building at once modern and forward looking, and in sympathy with Newnham’s original Champneys buildings and gardens. The new conference centre is an exciting venture for Newnham, and our students are delighted by the stylish public café with its space for group working and relaxation.”
‘Forma’ and ‘Vecta’ decorative metal casings from Encasement have been used on a project at Saint Richard Reynolds Catholic College in Twickenham to conceal structural steelwork around a new courtyard walkway, as part of its recently opened £14 million teaching block. Designed by DHP Building Design Consultants and built by main contractor, Graham Construction the project involved the refurbishment of the existing Edwardian structure, alongside the construction of The Elizabeth Building to create a modern learning environment for pupils. The Elizabeth Building includes primary and secondary classrooms, a hall, library and sixth form centre. The construction of covered walkway along two sides of the college’s main ‘quad’ courtyard were an integral part of the new facility. It also incorporates 14 structural support columns, which are concealed by Encasement’s rectangular ‘Forma’ decorative metal column casings and matching ceiling soffits and fascias. Each 650mm x 990mm weatherproof column casing stands 3.74metres high and is manufactured from 1.5mm thick aluminium, which incorporates a Rimex ‘Black Pearl’ finish that combines a highly polished surface with a pattern of small circular indentations, making the casings both durable and aesthetic. In addition to the column casings, the walkway also includes almost 70 metres of aluminium fascias and soffits at ceiling level, which use the same Rimex Black Pearl finish to conceal building services and drainage pipework. All casings solutions were not only manufactured and supplied by Encasement, but were also installed by the company’s specialist installation team. “The Black Pearl finish was an excellent decision for this project as it helps provide interest by breaking up the large surface areas of the column casings. Also, the pattern helps provide some additional rigidity to the aluminium, making it even more durable and ideal for high traffic use. The same applies to the ceiling soffits and fascia, but the main advantage of using the same material is the it integrates with the column casings and provides a uniform finish to this excellent project,” commented Encasement’s Managing Director, Martin Taylor.
