Technical

CMYA 2021 – Refurbishment & Restoration under £10m

GOLD: Megan Forster MCIOB - Coniston Ltd

Project: Royal Norwegian Embassy, 10 Palace Green, London
Scope: Refurbishment of 20,000 sq ft, Grade II*-listed mansion, completed in 81 weeks Client: Statsbygg
Contract: JCT
Value: £4.8m

Megan Forster was the perfect fit for this refurbishment of a Grade II*-listed mansion. Her understanding of construction was combined with a deep appreciation of heritage and a measured and meticulous approach.

Other finalists

Brian Cole Willmott Dixon Interiors – DHSC Quarry House, Leeds
Laurence Courtney WW Martin Ltd – Megger Instruments Phase 1B, Dover
Mike Garrett Modus Workspace – Verisk, London
Ronald Hening MCIOB Glencar (now with Magrock) – Hackney Bridge
Tristam Lithgow MCIOB Willmott Dixon – Somerset County Hall – A Block Refurbishment
Peter Marks MCIOB Greendale Construction – The Priest’s House Museum, Dorset
Stuart Peace MCIOB William Birch & Sons – Lincoln Cathedral Connected
Andy Stamford Robert Woodhead Ltd – Wentworth Woodhouse, Rotherham
Mick Ward MCIOB Pexhurst Services – Chillbox, Thurrock

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As the contractor delivering external works ran into significant delay, she took over the whole project as principal contractor, accommodating the phase one works while undertaking her own. When £2m of additional works were added mid-project, she minimised the impact by vigorous resequencing.

There were several setbacks along the way, among them the removal of a wartime bomb shelter which proved impossible with breakers. Megan devised a system of diamond drilling to break the mesh within the wall and give a starting point for the breakers.

When parquet floors were lifted, it became clear that cores through joists made previously for services were threatening the structural integrity. Megan ensured that each room was logged so that strengthening measures could be designed.

Given the high-class finish of the specification, there was minimal scope to cut costs. However, she still managed to value engineer, finding a cost-efficient and longer-lasting alternative to a bespoke handwoven stair carpet. The client and end user are both delighted with the quality of the project.

SILVER: Sam O’Neill - Oakmont Construction

Project: Union Stockley Park, Uxbridge
Scope: Structural refurbishment and fit-out of 72,000 sq ft office building, completed in 54 weeks
Client: Tritax
Contract: JCT 2016, design and build, with amendments
Value: £9.4m

Sam O’Neill’s technical knowledge, experience and commitment won this major strip-out and structural refurbishment contract for Oakmont. He did not disappoint.

Sam worked tirelessly to find the best solutions for the client. He changed from scaffolding to MEWPs to avoid damage to the fabric of the building; he took over the management of the electricity supply upgrade; and he elected to strip back and reapply the base plaster coat on a full-height feature wall when he decided that it didn’t meet the grade.

Diligent, proactive and attentive to detail, he instilled peace of mind and delivered a very successful project for the client.

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