Wednesday 6th February 2019 marked a significant milestone for H&J Martin at their Outwood Wharf Phase 1 Project in Salford, Manchester. The project team gathered to mark the Topping Out of the build-to-rent Scheme which will consist of 263 apartments and townhouses.
Topping out at 56 metres, H&J Martin are carrying out the construction works on the 18-storey scheme on behalf of Outwood Developments and Invesco Real Estate. This project is leading the way in lean construction utilising off-site prefabrication to create a safe working environment, optimise resource, minimise construction time, reduce waste and deliver quality right first time.
Simon Richards, Construction Director, H&J Martin commented: “The team at H&J Martin are delighted to reach this significant milestone at Outwood Wharf Phase 1. This project is leading the way in lean construction and is testament to the whole project team including SCC and the wider supply chain.”
SCC Design Build Ltd designed and installed 3,064 precast units. The brick façade is cast onto the concrete panels and the windows are fitted and glazed in the SCC factory. The final pieces were installed during the topping out ceremony.
Eamonn O'Donnell, Managing Director of SCC Design Build Ltd, commented: “Our modular precast system generally reduces the programme of works by around 40% in comparison to traditionally built projects and It also delivers real efficiencies. These efficiencies are realised throughout all stages of the project and life of the building, not just the construction phase. Pre-cast concrete is not just robust, which contributes to reductions in long term maintenance costs of a building, it is also thermally very efficient which reduced the occupant's energy usage, energy costs and carbon emissions. It was therefore a great solution for Outwood Wharf."
Jonathan Gwynne, Director of Outwood Developments Ltd and John German, Senior Director – Residential Investments, Invesco Real Estate, commented: “Invesco Real Estate and Outwood Developments congratulate H&J Martin and SCC on topping out Outwood Wharf. The H&J Martin team have capitalised fully the benefits offered to both build programme and environment by the SCC system.”
The main elements of work remaining comprises the fit out and installation of kitchens, bathrooms and joinery including 2,100 door sets and 10,000 light fittings.
With a solid precast floor construction, pre-installed windows and precast panel joints sealed as each level is constructed, the fit out has progressed in a fully completed and weatherproof environment 3 floors below the precast installation levels.
Throughout the construction phase all trades have been focussed on lean production with off-site pre-fabrication, pre-assembly, and pre-packing; for example, Door Ironmongery and Electrical fixtures and fittings are prepared in packs off site and delivered just in time to each apartment for installation.
The structure itself has taken just 10 months to construct, this encompasses 34 levels across 3 blocks. The scheme is due to reach completion in Summer 2019.
Photo Credit: Imagery provided courtesy of Airwolf Visual Ltd