Somerstown Community Hub
Collaboration is the key to success for a community hub
People
Dominic WoollersonScott Norris
Location
Southsea, PortsmouthSector
CommercialProducts
Architectural FacadesType
New buildThe challenge
Designed to kick-start regeneration in the area, the hub wasn’t without its challenge for suppliers because of its unique design. Bailey worked closely with BAM Design’s Architect and contractor Kovara Projects Ltd from the very start of the project to make the vision a reality.
The solution and approach
Fascia and cassette soffits were used for this complex oval design to ensure the precise shape without compromisation. The frame of the structure was made of Glulam. The soffits needed to be suitable to work with this material without leaving room for expansion or contraction. Ensuring that everything gets fitted as the architects envisaged at the pre-tender stage was vital. There was no room for error because of this unique shape, but the collaboration from everyone involved made the design workable.
“Having Bailey’s input in the early stages of the design was critical” comments Scott Norris from Kovara. “They were able to take the drawings and ensure the unusual elliptical shape that formed the end of the hub were feasible. A number of surveys had to be undertaken – which was very tricky as we were having to work theoretically only – but Bailey contributed hugely to this and helped co-ordinate much of the early planning work.”
The result
The hub, now in use, shows how important it is that subcontractors are involved with the design and that full collaboration throughout the project means smooth sailing!
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