DB3 Rail & Transportation

Rail & Transportation Project Experience

About DB3

Founded in 1883, DB3 Group is an award-winning, dynamic practice consisting of DB3 Architecture & Design, DB3 Building Services Engineering, DB3 Net Zero, DB3 Professional Services, Formation 3D and Home & Maker.

DB3 Group has seven studios across the UK including in Leeds, London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff and Aberystwyth, so we are never too far away from your project. Renowned for our quality design and technical delivery, we have long standing relationships with some of the biggest global brands across private and public market sectors.

From architectural vision to the completed build, we provide multi-disciplinary expertise aimed at meeting the diverse needs of our client base. We embrace the latest technology, including Building Information Modelling (BIM), to assist in our

process and operations for design, visualisation, design team co-ordination and more.

We maintain a focus on not only delivering the project on time, with exceptional quality and within cost, but also in ensuring long term value is designed into facilities to ensure that they are easy and safe to operate, sustainable, minimise energy use and are cost effective to maintain.

Our dedicated team of experienced Architects, Project Managers, Building Services Engineers, Interior Designers and Surveyors provide a quality service regardless of project value, size or complexity, to deliver the best for our clients. Working collaboratively, we aspire to make this an enjoyable process and build relationships which result in us returning to work for the same clients on future projects.

SECTORS

ƒ Commercial

ƒ Conservation & Heritage

ƒ Education

ƒ Energy & Waste

ƒ Healthcare

ƒ Hospitality

ƒ Industrial & Manufacturing

ƒ Retail

ƒ Residential

ƒ Science & Labs

ƒ Sports & Leisure

EXPERTISE

ƒ Architecture

ƒ Passivhaus Design

ƒ Urban Design

ƒ Visualisation

ƒ Principal Designer

ƒ NEC Supervisor

ƒ Building Services Engineering

Glasgow

Leeds

Manchester

Birmingham

Aberystwyth

Cardiff

London

Experts in Rail & Transportation

We provide a broad spectrum of built environment consultancy services including Architecture, Building Services Design, Project Management, Masterplanning, Urban Design, Interior Design and Space Planning.

From concept and business planning to detailed design and delivery DB3 can add value to Rail and Transportation projects.

Our skills have been applied to create excellent results for clients in the Rail and Transportation

sector, including direct rail projects and interface projects. We have worked on complementary project programmes to enhance the passenger experience and add value to the transport network.

From wayfinding design to commercial enhancement programmes, depot and station works we are able to use our key skills to identify design solutions that deliver benefits.

TAYLOR WOODROW Norwich Crown Point Depot

Location: Norwich, UK

Expertise Areas: Architecture

DB3 is providing support to Taylor Woodrow on the upgrade of Norwich Crown Point depot, where we are tasked with designing various extensions, upgrades, and refurbishments for client, Greater Anglia.

We have been appointed as Architects and Principal Designer for the creation of a new Bogie Store facility. These works aim to extend the existing facilities to accommodate the servicing, maintenance, and stabling requirements of a new fleet of 58 trains being manufactured by Stadler.

The introduction of a new bogie drop installation was successfully completed in early 2021 to cater

to the unique low-floored design of the trains, ensuring improved accessibility for passengers. The majority of train components are located on the roofs, which necessitates special high walkways to be integrated into the facilities.

The new Bogie Store is designed to complement the recently completed bogie drop facility. It provides ample storage space for 18 bogies and 20 wheel sets, and features an overhead crane for efficient operations. Moreover, the facility includes supporting office accommodation to facilitate the smooth functioning of the depot upgrade.

TAYLOR WOODROW

Norwich Crown Point Headshunt

Location: Norwich, UK

Expertise Areas: Architecture

Greater Anglia is introducing a new fleet of trains and, to support their operations, an expansion project is underway at the Norwich Crown Point Depot.

The project includes constructing an additional Headshunt line and Fatality Wash parallel to the existing line. These additions will facilitate hand bashing, sanding, graffiti wash, CET servicing, fatality inspection, and wash procedures for the new trains. A welfare facility will also be established to support cleaning and inspection operations.

DB3 is appointed to fulfill the roles of Lead Design Organisation (LDO) and Principal Designer.

The site, on the East side of the Norwich Crown Point Depot, runs adjacent to the existing carriage wash bypass line. The new Headshunt line will be parallel to the existing one, with a concrete

walkway in between for CET servicing, water, sanding, and hand bashing. Another walkway south of the new line is proposed for hand bashing.

The Fatality Wash will be positioned at the front of the new line to allow efficient cleaning and inspection. A staff welfare unit will cater to male and female staff, providing changing rooms, washing facilities, toilets, and a small food prep area while ensuring contamination segregation.

To address site constraints, a prefabricated modular solution will be used, considering neighbouring structures.

Care will be taken to avoid any adverse impact on the existing carriage wash facility on the adjacent line by situating the Fatality Wash close to the carriage wash hardstanding without affecting the existing transfer slab.

TAYLOR WOODROW

Clacton Depot Upgrades

Location: Essex, UK

Expertise Areas: Architecture

In the Clacton Depot Upgrades project for Greater Anglia Rail, DB3 played a crucial role as the Lead Design Organisation (LDO) representing Taylor Woodrow.

DB3’s main focus was on implementing Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) walkways and relocating Controlled Emission Toilet (CET) and Water connections. Additionally, step platforms were incorporated to ensure the safety of individuals accessing the trains.

To further ensure the safety and convenience of personnel accessing the trains, lighting bollards

were incorporated into handrail sets outs. DB3 worked closely with a lighting expert to ensure that the lighting was sufficient for visibility without adversely affecting the train drivers. One of the major challenges faced by DB3 was navigating overhead lines while installing the GRP walkways and platforms. Safely managing the overhead lines was critical to prevent any accidents or disruptions to the rail services. Additionally, gauging testing was carried out to ensure that all installed structures complied with the necessary standards and provided smooth train operations.

Colchester Depot Upgrades

Location: Essex, UK

Expertise Areas: Architecture

DB3 took on the role of the Lead Design Organisation (LDO) on behalf of Taylor Woodrow for the ambitious Colchester Depot Upgrades project, aimed at improving the Greater Anglia Rail. The nature of the site demanded meticulous coordination and attention to detail throughout the project.

One of DB3’s primary tasks was the implementation of GRP walkways. These walkways provide essential access to trains for the cleaning staff, ensuring a clean and well-maintained fleet. Moreover, they were designed to facilitate sanding carts, an important aspect of the trains’ operational requirements. Due to the site’s high voltage electricity, special precautions were taken to minimise risks. While working with Taylor Woodrow, Greater Anglia, and Network Rail, DB3

implemented and coordinated the GRP solution to reduce the potential for electrical arcing.

Another critical aspect of the project involved relocating the CET and water connections. The relocation process required precise planning and execution to ensure minimal disruption to operations while achieving the desired outcomes.

The walkways and infrastructure implemented by DB3 were designed to be permanent fixtures at the depot. This long-term vision required careful consideration and adherence to stringent safety standards. In particular, DB3 worked closely with the contractor and structural engineers to ensure that the design met Network Rail standards, ensuring the highest level of safety and compliance.

TRANSPORT FOR LONDON

Wood Lane Arches

Location: London, UK

Expertise Areas: Architecture

DB3 provided Architectural services for RIBA Stages 2 to 5 for the concept design and implementation of enabling works to 25 railway arches below the Hammersmith & City tube viaduct at Wood Lane. This included the provision of a new sub-station, consolidation of services, cycle parking and refuse storage areas.

The railway arches have been repurposed for public and commercial uses, providing a new character retail space in the busy surroundings of Westfield.

Transport for London vision for the regenerated railway arches creates a destination for working, shopping, eating and socialising.

Phase 1 provides 8,900 sq ft of space across 11 railway arches with units ranging from 735 to 1,750 sq ft benefitting from A1/2/3/4 consent and opening hours of 7-8am to 12-1am.

LONDON UNDERGROUND Knightsbridge

Location: London, UK

Expertise Areas: Architecture

DB3 is entrusted with the responsibility of providing architectural design services to Delatim, a highly regarded specialist fit-out contractor. Our team is drawing upon our extensive knowledge and experience of London Underground’s exacting design standards to ensure the success of this project.

From its inception at RIBA Stage 2, we have been diligently working on this venture, and we are proud to share that the project has already undergone two interdisciplinary design reviews at 60% and 100% completion stages. The reviews have been incredibly constructive, resulting in minimal amends, a testament to the precision and thoroughness of our work.

Throughout the process, we are committed to

minimising disruptions to the station’s daily operations, prioritising the convenience and comfort of customers.

The completed project will deliver step-free access to the iconic station, making it more inclusive and accessible to all. We are revitalising disused tunnels, bringing them back into public use, and ingeniously utilising old ventilation shafts to house two new customer lifts.

Additionally, we are upgrading parts of the staff accommodation, providing improved facilities that will enhance the overall environment for the station’s workforce.

The design commenced in October 2020 with completion scheduled for December 2023.

LONDON UNDERGROUND Fit for the Future Stations

Location: London, UK

Expertise Areas: Architecture

DB3 acted as project lead for the refurbishment and reconfiguration of station upgrades as part of the “Fit for the Future Stations” programme of works to 50+ stations including key gateway stations such as Paddington, Waterloo, Liverpool Street and Heathrow Terminals 1, 2 and 3.

The work included refurbishment and reconfiguration of booking hall, ticket offices and ticket machine rooms (POMs) as well as dealing with Local Authorities for Listed Building consents.

The programme included production of feasibility studies for some of the stations which looked beyond their closure & their commercial viability.

Aimed at improving and upgrading stations within the London Underground network, “Fit for the Future” enhances the overall experience for passengers by making stations more accessible, modern and efficient.

TfL have a long-term vision of providing a worldclass public transport system to millions of daily commuters and visitors to the city, focussing on four key areas of improvement: accessibility, capacity and crowding, reliability, and station environment.

EUROTUNNEL Customer Lounges

Location: Calais, France and Folkestone, UK

Expertise Areas: Architecture

The project is for the construction of a singlestorey building on each Eurostar Terminal which will be dedicated to Eurotunnel passengers. These two buildings will be identical in terms of design and fitting out. However, they will comply with the specific regulations applicable in each country. In the UK as in France, the buildings will be constructed in the middle of the pre-allocation area. The building will include:

ƒ Toilets

ƒ Lounge areas

ƒ A lobby providing a small reception area

ƒ A self-service publications area (newspapers, magazines)

ƒ A dedicated service area for the hostesses

ƒ Ancillary areas with kitchen, storage, staff facilities etc.

The interior architecture will be as comfortable, welcoming and enjoyable as possible. The fitout will be modern, practical and spacious offering a calm, muted atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the main terminal. The lounge will distinguish between the various special areas (family, business, children).

BOMBARDIER TRANSPORTATION Ley Street Depot Upgrade

Location: Machynlleth, Wales

Expertise Area: Architecture

Bombardier’s Ilford depot is a heavy maintenance depot in Essex, situated between Ilford and Seven Kings stations. It is operated by the company’s Services Division which has two roles – providing routine daily maintenance services for the train operating companies (TOCs) and offering more substantial vehicle overhaul and re-engineering/ asset life extension programmes for the rolling stock companies (ROSCOs). Ilford is part of that second category.

There have been train sidings and carriage sheds on the site since c.1921 and it was used for military stabling and engineering works during the WW2 until these were moved underground due to heavy bombing in the area. The site has steadily developed since then including the construction of the main carriage repair sheds in the 1960s.

The site was developed to allow for the stabling of the new Crossrail stock and DB3 assisted in this process including acting as Principal Designer and as Architects for the development of a new office and entrance extension to Bombardier’s existing offices.

RAILTRACK Galton Interchange Station

Location: Smethwick, Birmingham, UK

Expertise Area: Architecture

Smethwick Galton Bridge is a split-level railway station in Smethwick, West Midlands. It is at a point where two railway lines cross on two levels. It has platforms on both lines, allowing interchange between them. The two low-level platforms serve the Birmingham New Street to Wolverhampton West Coast Main Line, while the two high-level platforms serve the Birmingham Snow Hill to Worcester Line.

The high level line passes over the low level line roughly at a right angle on a bridge.

London Midland manage the station and operate the majority of its services, with others provided by Chiltern Railways and Arriva Trains Wales.

The present station opened in 1995 when the line from Birmingham Snow Hill reopened, replacing the nearby Smethwick West station. Concept designs were prepared by DB3. A station car park has subsequently been provided, across the adjoining main road.

RAILTRACK

Stourbridge Junction Station

Location: Stourbridge, West Midlands, UK

Expertise Area: Architecture

The station was opened in 1852 on the Oxford, Worcester and Wolverhampton railway line, at a slightly different location to the present station, under the name of Stourbridge. A new booking office and vestibule was built in 1995 to the designs of architects DB3 together with a general refurbishment of the whole station.

The station was previously a four platform operation, comprising two island platforms. The southern divergence to platform 1 was removed some years ago and platform 4, situated opposite to the current platform 3, now faces the car park -

laid out on the station’s old carriage sidings. At the time the majority of services from Stourbridge Junction are operated by London Midland, using Class 172 Diesel multiple units. Chiltern Railways also provide a peak time service to London Marylebone, commencing at Kidderminster and running via Birmingham Snow Hill. Trains operating from the Junction to Stourbridge Town were being run by Class 139 units.

WILTSHIRE DEVELOPMENTS

Tunbridge Wells Station Car Park

Location: Tunbridge Wells

Expertise Area: Architecture

A design competition jointly sponsored by Railtrack and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council was won by this firm alongside developer Wiltshire.

The land was provided by TWBC, on a former house plot, “Torrington”, immediately adjoining the Western side of Tunbridge Wells Station (“Central”).

Construction involved contiguous piling and significant excavation into the hillside to create

a lowest floor which would be level with Station Approach and give direct access to the platforms. The bulk of the superstructure was constructed of precast concrete elements with brick and tile faux façades, albeit in a modern style.

In order to increase revenue, the lowest floor level was given over to be a food supermarket.

The commuter parking element continues to be operated by Network Rail.

Architecture and much more

As a multi-disciplinary consultancy, our expertise extends beyond architecture, meaning our clients can pick and choose key areas or combine a number of our service skill sets and project management skills when selecting our single point service offer. DB3 Group offers the following six individual business units.

DB3 Architecture & Design

Providing RIBA Chartered sustainable architecture, urban design and masterplanning, with supporting services including BIM, visualisation and interior design. DB3’s architectural team comprises 35+ architects, supported by a strong team of 50+ technologists and architectural assistants with the capacity to resource projects across all sectors.

DB3 Building Services Engineering

Offering CIBSE Chartered Mechanical and Electrical Engineering to all sectors. The team have particular experience in the leisure sector, having delivered numerous wet and dry leisure facilities across the UK. The team are CIBSE Low Carbon Energy Assessors and offer Thermal Modelling (DSM).

Formation 3D (F3D)

Drone operated aerial surveys, photography and videography by DB3’s in-house CAA qualified drone operators. A low risk, time efficient alternative for building inspections and land surveys. F3D also offers highly accurate 3D data capture & mapping of existing structures using point cloud, RTK and PPK technology, turning into 3D digital models for construction, design & facilities management projects.

DB3 Net Zero

Drawing on the experience of our in-house mechanical & electrical engineers, architects, energy assessors, Passivhaus designers and sustainability experts. Our suite of Net Zero consultancy services is broken down into six categories which cover topics around whole life cycle. These categories include; Carbon, Efficiency, Passivhaus, Wellbeing, Performance & Compliance.

DB3 Professional Services

The team deliver building surveying, retail project management, principal designer, contract administration and NEC supervisor roles, across the UK. Working alongside DB3’s architectural and M&E teams, these roles can be incorporated into a multi-disciplinary offering or procured as an independent service.

Home & Maker

A sister company to DB3 Architecture & Design, Home and Maker provides RIBA chartered online architectural services to domestic residential customers. Drawing on DB3’s many years of home design and construction experience, Home & Maker focuses on designing great homes at an affordable price.

Accreditations

AJ100 Company

RIBA Chartered Practice

Certified Passivhaus Designers

CIAT Registered Practice

CIBSE Directory of Practices & Firms

CIBSE Low Carbon Energy Assessors

ISO9001:2015 Quality Management System

ISO14001:2015 Environmental Management System

Altius Approved Elite Vendor

H&S SSIP Accredited, through Eurosafe and Alcumus

Constructionline Gold Member

Achilles RISQS Accredited

Cyber Essentials Plus

Awards

DB3 Group: Shortlisted - Yorkshire Insider Awards 2023 ‘Architecture Practice of the Year’; Shortlisted - COBBA 2023 ‘Business Development Professional’; Shortlisted - UKREiiF Awards 2023 ‘Consultant of the Year’ & ‘People & Skills Torchbearer’; Shortlisted - COMBA 2023 ‘Architecture Practice & Business Development Professional’; ShortlistedGrafters Awards 2023 ‘Architecture Practice’; Winner – COMBA & COBBA 2022 ‘Architect of the Year’; 2021 Digital Enterprise Top 100; Winner – Insider Property Awards 2018 ‘Architectural Practice of the Year’ & ‘Design Excellence’; Shortlisted – BD Awards 2017 ‘Sports & Leisure Architect of the Year’; RICS Design Through Innovation Award 2017; Insider Property Industry Awards 2015 ‘Highly Commended Architectural Firm of the Year’

Helensburgh Waterfront Development: Highly Commended - Argyll & Bute Awards 2023

‘Aesthetic Design’; Finalist - Planning Awards 2023

‘Outstanding Contribution to Placemaking: Best Use of Arts, Culture or Sport’; Highly CommendedIStructE Awards 2022 ‘Leisure Project’

Llys Cadwyn Regeneration: Winner – Cardiff Property Awards 2021 and Ystadau Cymru 2021 Award for ‘Creating Economic Growth’; Highly Commended – British Construction Industry Awards 2021; CLAW Project of the Year Awards 2021

Adidas Oxford Street: Gold Winner – London Design Awards 2020

Leeds College of Music: Winner – RIBA Regional Award 2015 ‘Small Project Award’; Shortlisted –Insider Property Industry Awards Yorkshire 2018

‘Regeneration Project of the Year’, Education Estates Awards 2018 ‘Refurbishment Project’, AJ Retrofit Awards 2018 ‘Further & Higher Education’; Constructing Excellence Yorkshire & Humber Awards 2018 ‘Building Project of the Year’

Chancery Lane Residential: Shortlisted –London Construction Awards 2018 ‘London Build Excellence’ & ‘Regeneration Project’

Airedale Air Conditioning: Winner – RICS 2017 Regional Award ‘Design through innovation’

Ysgol Craig Y Deryn School: RTPI Wales Planning Award 2014

Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre: Commended – SCALA Awards 2014 ‘Civic Building of the Year’

MOMA Machynlleth Tannery Gallery: CPRW Awards 2014 ‘Special Award’

Michael Woods Leisure Centre: Highly Commended – SCALA Awards 2014 ‘Civic Building of the Year’; Scottish Property Awards 2014 ‘Architectural Excellence’

Marks & Spencer, Liverpool: Highly Commended –CIAT Award 2010 ‘Technical Excellence’

PAN Emirates, Dubai: Shortlisted – Retail Interiors Awards 2010 ‘Best International Interior’

Threeways School, Bath: BCSE Awards 2009 ‘Inspiring Design for Special Schools’

ASDA Stores Supplier Awards: 2009 ‘Best Consultant’ & ‘Best EDLC (Every Day Low Cost) Initiative’

University of Huddersfield, Creative Art Building: Bronze Awards – RIBA White Rose Award 2009; Commendation – CIAT Award 2009; Shortlisted –RICS Pro Yorkshire Awards 2009

University of Huddersfield, Milton Centre: Winner – Insider Yorkshire Renaissance Awards 2006 ‘Best Restoration Project’

Aberdovey Yacht Club: Winner – Snowdonia National Park Awards 1992 ‘Good Design in the Countryside Award’

St Giles Business Park for the DBRW: Winner –Prince of Wales Design Awards 1990 ‘Good Design Awards’

Llwydcoed Crematorium: Winner - RIBA Wales Architecture Awards 1971; Commendation – RIBA Awards 1968

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS): 2017, 2011, 2010

Green Apple Awards: 2015, 2013, 2010, 2009, 2008

LABC Building Excellence Awards: 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008

LABC Design Excellence Awards: 2013, 2012, 2009, 2008, 2003, 2002

Leicestershire & Rutland Craftsmanship Awards: 2013, 2012, 2009, 2008, 2003, 2002

Civic Trust Awards: 2012, 2007, 2006, 1993, 1990

BREEAM Awards: 2008, 2007

Montgomeryshire Design Awards: 1997, 1994