PCE assist Kier to win Construction News Award
Project described as “a template for the future of our industry”
PCE Ltd are delighted that their involvement with Kier on the Capella Laboratory project in Cambridge has resulted in the Main Contractor being awarded the prestigious Construction News Award for Supply Chain Excellence.
PCE worked closely with Kier and other members of the Kier supply chain for this project from the initial tendering process to provide an 18,000m², £80 million complex laboratory from a blank piece of paper to an enclosed building within 24 months.
Hybrid structure, offsite manufacture
The project was carried out under an NEC form of contract and required the finished Hybrid structure, provided by PCE on a design and construct basis, to meet stringent vibration requirements. Offsite manufacture of the precast concrete components, which included architecturally finished cladding panels and the structural steelwork provided the structure of the building with high quality products, enhanced safety during construction and with a reduced carbon footprint as well as speed of construction that would not have been obtained with an onsite in situ concrete frame. The use of BIM was significant in ensuring that the risk of any clashes between the structure and services were eliminated before construction commenced and that accuracy of fit of components was maximised to provide the high quality required for the eight storey structure including basement.
The successful supply chain
The common goals from the outset of the supply chain led by Kier and including PCE, Arup, FDG Fairhursts, SES Engineering Services and MJS Construction were:
- Collaboration and Trust
- Can-do attitude
- Design-in safety
- Swift Programme
- Right people at the right time
- Performance of the building
- BIM pioneer for the client.
Mr Simon Harold, PCE Ltd Business Development Director said:
"The Capella Project is a great example of what PCE can provide on a design and build basis with regards to Offsite Hybrid structural frame construction including cladding solutions. Every company concerned with the Supply Chain ensured that the common goals were not only achieved but exceeded with a great team ethos enduring throughout the project."
The Construction News website reported that:
"In naming Kier the winner of this year’s Supply Chain Excellence award, the judging panel cited its work on Project Capella as nothing short of “a template for the future of our industry”.
