A new ‘jewel’ within the Woolbeding National Trust site, the glasshouse comprises diamond shaped glass elements that open to resemble a stylised flower and ventilation to the plants within. The project includes the provision of all required infrastructure and extensive new landscaping around the new glasshouse.
Key Project Features
- A challenging project, akin to procuring a machine rather than a building.
- 10 glass sepals, motorised to allow opening and closing.
- Extensive landscaping works to replicate the Silk Roads.
Core Five Added Value
- Extensive market research was required throughout Europe to determine a pool of potential subcontractors. Initial research during RIBA Stage 2 determined that the concept of a moving structure was achievable.
- Delivered within budget.
- Regular review and contribution to risk to ensure appropriate budgets were assigned.
- We designed a bespoke procurement route, based on the concept of a “Primary Sub Contractor (PSC)” recognising that the most critical element of the project was design and construction of the glasshouse. This enabled use of a more local Main Contractor with lower overheads resulting in significant saving compared with using the specialist division of a Tier 1 Contractor. This illustrates our intellectual approach to Cost Management, developing appropriate solutions rather than just offering a standard solution.
- A Pre Contract Services Agreement (PCSA) was entered into with the PSC during RIBA Stage 4. We ensured that this was exhaustive, identifying deliverables for each week of the PCSA.
