RICS Awards 2017 West Midlands The Winners
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Contents Directors Welcome 4 Winners Overview 5 Building Conservation
6–7
Commercial
8–9
Community Benefit
12–13
Design through Innovation
14–15
Infrastructure
18–19
Regeneration
20–21
Residential
22–23
Tourism & Leisure
24–25
Project of the Year
28–29
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RICS Awards 2017 – The Winners
Climate change research scheme wins the Project of the Year Award West Midlands Every year the RICS Awards, West Midlands, attract a significant number of quality entries and this year was no different. Selecting this year’s shortlist of 42 entries was a challenge as the talent, vision and exceptional skills of the professionals behind them was nothing short of remarkable. A big thank you to all our sponsors who made the ceremony such a wonderful occasion. It goes without saying that our judging panel found deciding upon the eight category winners particularly tough, not to mention who would take home the accolade of Project of the Year 2017, West Midlands. This highly-esteemed accolade is awarded to the project on the shortlist which demonstrates outstanding best practice, exemplary commitment to sustainability and significant benefit to local communities.
It is a truly pioneering project that involved the design and installation of a CO2 research facility within mature oak woodland, while maintaining a small physical footprint and has the potential for both national and global importance. The talent of our region’s professionals is amazing and I would like to thank all those behind the RICS Awards, West Midlands’ shortlisted projects who took the time to enter and showcase their stunning work. The work, expertise and professionalism of Chartered Surveyors ensures the best projects and value for end users and communities. All category winners will go on to compete against other regional winners at the RICS Awards, Grand Final on Thursday 2 November 2017 in London, for the chance to be crowned the overall UK winner in their respective category. I wish them all the very best in representing the West Midlands and showing the world just what RICS professionals within our region can accomplish. As you turn the pages and read more about the exceptional projects, you’ll see many examples which set the West Midlands apart from other regions as a fantastic place to live, work and of course visit. Lynn Robinson RICS Regional Director
I’m delighted that this year’s Project of the Year 2017, West Midlands title went to the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research in Stafford which also won the Infrastructure award.
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Sponsor the RICS Awards 2018, West Midlands There are a number of opportunities to sponsor next year’s awards. It is an excellent way of raising your organisation’s profile, whilst getting involved in the regions’ property Oscars. For further information please contact Richard Ackroyd, RICS Regional Account Manager +44 7890 324459 or email rackroyd@rics.org
Winners overview Professionals from the region and beyond attended the RICS Awards 2017, West Midlands, for what was a truly inspiring evening. The awards continue to attract pioneering projects from all over the region and this year was no exception. This is a testament to local property professionals who continue to utilise their talent, providing stunning properties that set the West Midlands apart from other regions.
Across the following pages you will see many examples of the exceptional talent and vision which make the West Midlands a fantastic place to live, work and of course visit. The eight regional category winners – Building Conservation, Commercial, Community Benefit, Design through Innovation, Infrastructure, Regeneration, Residential and Tourism & Leisure – will now progress forward to the RICS Awards, Grand Final on Thursday 2 November 2017 at InterContinental Hotel on Park Lane in London.
Inspiring winners The RICS Awards 2016 were full of spectacular projects – here are some Project of the Year winners:
Johnstone Town Hall, Renfrewshire, Scotland
The full list of winning projects is:
Building Conservation
Infrastructure
Winner Holy Trinity, Stratford-upon-Avon
Winner Birmingham Institute of Forest Research, Stafford
Commercial Winner The Grand Hotel, Shops & Offices – Phase 1, Birmingham
Regeneration
Community Benefit
Residential
Winner Rememberance Centre at the National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire
Winner Chamberlain Residence Scheme, Birmingham
Highly Commended Lye & Wollescote Cemetary Chapels, Stourbridge
Tourism & Leisure
Design through Innovation
Winner iCentrum, Aston
Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham, South West
Winner Rememberance Centre at the National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire
The Curve, Middlesbrough, North East
Winner Birmingham Dental Hospital and School of Dentistry, Birmingham
Sacrewell Watermill, Peterborough, East of England
Sponsors and supporters of the RICS Awards 2017, West Midlands Headline Sponsor
Category Sponsors
Supported By
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RICS Awards 2017 – The Winners
This award honours excellent work in the conservation of a single building or structure or a group of buildings or structures and covers renovation or conversion to a new or original use.
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Building Conservation Winner Holy Trinity, Stratford-upon-Avon Parochial Church Council of Holy Trinity Surveyor: Dawn Lodge Associates Architect: Oliver Architecture Ltd Developer/Contractor: Midland Conservation Ltd Owner/Client:
The first extension to the Grade I listed “Shakespeare’s Church” since the medieval period has provided much needed new facilities. The construction of a new extension to the south of the South Aisle has provided much needed new facilities, and comprises a new South Porch, WCs, Vestry and storage areas. Removing the Vestry from the South Transept has allowed this area to be restored as St. Peter’s Chapel.
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Sponsored by
Shortlisted Compton Verney, Warwick Nominated by Purcell
Lye & Wollescote Cemetery Chapels, Stourbridge Nominated by Brownhill Hayward Brown Chartered Architects
The Swan Wing, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Nominated by Pulse Associates Ltd
Holy Trinity, Stratford-upon-Avon Nominated by Oliver Architecture Ltd
The Grand Hotel, Shops & Offices – Phase 1, Birmingham Nominated by Hortons’ Estate Ltd
Whitegates Shippon, Shropshire Nomninated by Anthony Peers
The judges said A remarkable well researched and designed extension to the Grade I listed parish church where Shakespeare is buried. Incorporating much needed facilities and disabled access, this project has enabled reorganisation of the existing building to open up areas to the public as well as recycling previously obscured stained glass windows. The design blends nicely into its existing environment and is weathering well. The location has been thoughtfully considered so as not to impact on the main elevation of the church.
Catch up Watch Great British Buildings: Restoration of the Year Great British Buildings: Restoration of the Year is a series on Channel 4 following RICS professionals as they judge the best restoration projects in the UK. Hosted by Kevin McCloud and Dr Anna Keay, it showcases the most incredible restorations of historic buildings. From palaces to watermills, department stores to music halls, they unfold nine centuries of our history told through treasured places that have been brought back from the brink.
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RICS Awards 2017 – The Winners
This award honours an outstanding commercial property development whether retail, office, leisure, industrial or mixed use. We are looking for evidence of a commercially successful project.
Commercial Winner The Grand Hotel, Shops & Offices – Phase 1, Birmingham Hortons’ Estate Ltd Berman Guedes Stretton Architect / Bryant Priest Newman Architects/ Arup Façade Engineering Developer/Contractor: Midland Conservation and Greswolde Construction Surveyor/Client: Architect:
The first phase of the re-development of the Grade II* listed Grand Hotel, being the façade restoration and the refurbishment of the shop and offices has been a huge commercial success with near full occupation. Whilst the façade restoration has not had a direct commercial return, it has provided the building with a unique presence in Birmingham and has helped achieve excellent rental levels and a diverse tenant mix and has acted as a catalyst for further development in the local area.
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Sponsored by
Shortlisted Baskerville House, Birmingham Nominated by Weston Williamson + Partners
iCentrum, Aston Nominated by Ridge and Partners LLP
The Grand Hotel, Shops & Offices – Phase 1, Birmingham Nominated by Hortons’ Estate Ltd
The judges said The commercial attributes of the Grand Hotel, Shops and Offices, Phase 1 is overshadowed by the iconic façade renovation of Birmingham’s potential premier hotel venue. This Chartered Surveyor led redevelopment project has tripled office rental values from previous levels and the retail outlets have expanded and diversified the food and beverage offer to the central business district. The independent retail mix has infused fresh life into Colmore Row and the traditional office space above provides excellent quality accommodation for the SME business community in Birmingham City Centre. Feedback from the occupiers and the local business community is resoundingly positive with the renovation of this landmark building providing a significant WOW factor.
RICS Matrics
Young Surveyor of the Year 2017 Celebrating the most inspirational young surveying professionals in the UK Categories are: ∫ ∫ ∫ ∫ ∫ ∫ ∫ ∫ ∫
Apprentice of the Year (new for 2017) Asset and Facilities Management Building Surveying Land (Rural and Urban) Mentor of the Year Property (Residential & Commercial) Project Management Quantity Surveying Valuation
Closing date for entries – 14 July 2017 *Open to all young surveyors, trainees and apprentices aged under 35.
Want to be Young Surveyor of the Year 2017? Nominate or enter now – rics.org/ysoya 9
ARCHITECTURE AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT UNDERGRADUATE AND POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES The University of Wolverhampton offers over 200 undergraduate degree courses, including excellent programmes in architecture and the built environment with accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Chartered Institute of Builders. Our postgraduate taught courses reflect current and emerging practices in industry. Architecture and built environment courses are designed to expand technological awareness and prepare graduates for senior management positions.
To find out how the University of Wolverhampton can help you play a pivotal role in your chosen profession: Email: enquiries@wlv.ac.uk Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk Call: 0800 953 3222 The University of Opportunity
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RICS Awards 2017 – The Winners
This award recognises excellent achievement in providing a facility, which directly benefits the local community. In particular, the project must illustrate its success through local community feedback. Projects may be single or groups of buildings in urban, rural or coastal areas. They may be new or improvements to existing facilities.
Community Benefit Winner Rememberance Centre at the National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) Surveyor: Edmund Shipway Architect: Glenn Howells Architects Developer/Contractor: Stepnell Ltd Owner/Client:
The new Remembrance Centre was only made possible through the support and fundraising efforts of the local community. The NMA and new Remembrance Centre was created and run by volunteers, as well as a small paid group, a steadfast friends group and numerous others who planted individual trees or helped create a memorial for their organisation. The new Remembrance Centre has been well received by the local community with visitor numbers up 59%.
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Community Benefit Highly Commended Lye & Wollescote Cemetary Chapels, Stourbridge West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust (WMHBT) Surveyor: Graham Hale & Company Architect: Brownhill Hayward Brown Chartered Architects Developer/Contractor: Croft Building & Conservation Ltd Owner/Client:
Shortlisted Birmingham Dental Hospital and School of Dentistry, Birmingham Nominated by Prime plc
Remembrance Centre at the National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire Nominated by Glenn Howells Architects
Willow Barns Extra Care Development, Stoke-on-Trent Nominated by PRP Architects
Lye & Wollescote Cemetery Chapels, Stourbridge Nominated by Brownhill Hayward Brown Chartered Architects
The Swan Wing, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Nominated by Pulse Associates Ltd
Wilson Stuart NHS & Community Hub, Birmingham Nominated by Ridge and Partners LLP
Perdiswell Leisure Centre, Worcester Nominated by Turner & Townsend
University of Birmingham School, Birmingham Nominated by Willmott Dixon Construction
The judges said Located in the heart of the country, the high quality ÂŁ15.7m Remembrance Centre was designed to blend and compliment the previous smaller visitor facility as a gateway to the 150 acre site. The building provides education rooms for school visits, a conference room, exhibition space, a retail area, cafĂŠ, restaurant, modern toilet facilities and a peaceful cloistered courtyard. Not only does the building offer a warm welcome but so do the staff and volunteers ensuring a high quality visitor experience.
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RICS Awards 2017 – The Winners
This award honours the use of outstanding innovation in designing a successful project. The judges will look for evidence that use of creativity and innovative design have enhanced a project across a wide range of criteria.
Design through Innovation Winner Birmingham Dental Hospital and School of Dentistry, Birmingham Birmingham Community NHS Foundation Trust/ University of Birmingham Surveyor: Prime plc Architect: One Creative Environments Ltd Developer/Contractor: Galliford Try Owner/Client:
Standing proud in the burgeoning Edgbaston Medical Quarter, this 15,465 sqm state of the art teaching and clinical facility has been designed with the patient experience front of mind. This BREEAM ‘Excellent’ dental hub holds sustainability at its heart. It’s atrium floods the building with natural light, providing a welcoming environment and focal point for ease of wayfinding. The building’s signature identity – inspired by the microscopic view of a tooth – embodies what the hospital and whole organisation is all about.
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Sponsored by
Shortlisted Alan Walters Building, University of Birmingham, Birmingham Nominated by Berman Guedes Stretton Architects
Birmingham Dogs Home, Birmingham Nominated by Faithful+Gould
University of Birmingham School, Birmingham Nominated by Willmott Dixon Construction
Birmingham Dental Hospital and School of Dentistry, Birmingham Nominated by Prime plc
Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR), Stafford Nominated by Faithful+Gould
University of Warwick, Warwick Nominated by Pick Everard
The judges said The new Birmingham Dental Hospital and School of Dentistry is the first integrated centre built in the UK for 40 years, at a cost of £50m. Innovation in procurement, finance and delivery involving both public and private partners has secured a landmark facility providing both modern dental training and cutting edge treatment to the public. Functionality and layout has been enhanced through clever design and colour from the welcoming environment created by a huge link atrium, through to the naturally lit, open plan dental bays and the world class research laboratories whilst overall achieving the highest sustainability standards.
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Call for entries! The RICS Awards celebrate excellence in the built environment and showcase the talent of property professionals behind the most ground breaking projects. All finalists will enjoy unparalleled public recognition at one of the industry’s most prestigious annual events. All regional winners will go forward to the Grand Final in October 2018. Entry to the Awards is open to everyone, not just those working within the property profession. For more information visit rics.org/awards or contact Carolyn Robins, RICS UK Awards Manager on + 44 7791 750142 or email crobins@rics.org Entries open in September 2017
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RICS Awards 2017 – The Winners
This award will recognise the excellent achievement by a project or programme of infrastructure works. Infrastructure works include any projects that deliver essential facilities, services or organisational structures.
Infrastructure Winner Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR), Stafford College of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Birmingham Surveyor: Faithful+Gould Architect: Glancy Nicholls Architects Developer/Contractor: Shaylor Group Owner:
Image credit: Andrew Priest Photography
The pioneering ÂŁ10.4m BIFoR scheme provides the infrastructure for a 10 year experiment on behalf of the University of Birmingham to simulate the atmospheric conditions expected in 2070. The results will investigate the effects of climate change on existing woodlands by building a Free-Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment (FACE) experiment site set in mature, unmanaged, temperate woodland.
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Shortlisted Birmingham Dental Hospital and School of Dentistry, Birmingham Nominated by Prime plc
Midland Metro – Birmingham City Centre Extension, Birmingham Nominated by Ridge and Partners LLP
Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR), Stafford Nominated by Faithful+Gould
The judges said A project with a small physical footprint but with the potential for national and global importance. Intricately planned, sensitively executed, collaborating with Australia, US and Amazonian research to assess the impact of CO2 on our ‘Green Infrastructure’. 50% of our forest will have been affected in 50 years’ time and this project aims to provide the empirical evidence that could nudge political thought as CFC research did to repair ozone in the Antarctic.
Grand Final 2 November 2017 12:00hrs–16:00hrs Intercontinental London Park Lane, One Hamilton Place, Park Lane, London W1J 7QY Hosted by: Dan Walker, BBC Breakfast News and Sport Anchor
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RICS Awards 2017 – The Winners
This award honours exceptional improvements to urban, rural or coastal areas. We are looking for evidence to show that the scheme has conserved or improved the built or natural environment in a way that has contributed to the viability of the area.
Regeneration Winner iCentrum, Aston Innovation Birmingham Ltd Surveyor: Ridge and Partners LLP Architect: Acivico Developer/Contractor: Bouygues UK (formally Thomas Vale Construction Ltd) Owner:
iCentrum is now delivering a new digital innovation centre consisting of 44,000 sq ft of flexible working space. In 2014 iCentrum was taken forward as a speculative development, kick starting regeneration of the existing Aston Science Park and acting as the enabler for the new Birmingham Science Park. Being located in an Enterprise Zone, the success of iCentrum helped secure grant funding for the Phase 2A Universities Centre and has more generally created interest in a once remote area of the city.
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Sponsored by
Shortlisted iCentrum, Aston Nominated by Ridge and Partners LLP
Majestic Court, Stoke-on-Trent Nominated by Jonathan Cornes Associates Ltd
The Crofts, Smethwick Nominated by Sandwell MBC - Urban Design
Lord Swraj Paul Business School, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton Nominated by Sheppard Robson
Midland Metro – Birmingham City Centre Extension, Birmingham Nominated by Ridge and Partners LLP
The Grand Hotel, Shops & Offices Phase 1, Birmingham Nominated by Hortons’ Estate Ltd
The judges said iCentrum is helping to bring together the best of Birmingham’s universities and businesses to play their part in reinvigorating the city’s Science Park. Together with further phases already going through the planning process, iCentrum presents a contemporary face to the A38 and internally, a welcoming atrium environment. Innovative digital and design entrepreneurs are being introduced to larger partner businesses with which to collaborate, the open design of iCentrum’s spaces encourages the movement of people and sharing of ideas to great effect.
RICS Matrics
Young Surveyor of the Year 2017 Celebrating the most inspirational young surveying professionals in the UK Categories are: ∫ ∫ ∫ ∫ ∫ ∫ ∫ ∫ ∫
Apprentice of the Year (new for 2017) Asset and Facilities Management Building Surveying Land (Rural and Urban) Mentor of the Year Property (Residential & Commercial) Project Management Quantity Surveying Valuation
Closing date for entries – 14 July 2017 *Open to all young surveyors, trainees and apprentices aged under 35.
Want to be Young Surveyor of the Year 2017? Nominate or enter now – rics.org/ysoya 21
RICS Awards 2017 – The Winners
This award honours an outstanding residential development of either a single building or overall scheme, either new build or conversion. We are looking for evidence of a successful project across a wide range of criteria.
Residential Winner Chamberlain Residence Scheme, Birmingham University of Birmingham Surveyor: Faithful+Gould Architect: Glancy Nicholls Architects Developer/Contractor: Balfour Beatty Owner/Client:
Chamberlain student residencies is a contemporary high and low rise new student development located in a prominent position at the top of the Vale Student Village, providing 726 student bedrooms comprising of 24 self-contained studios and 702 bedrooms with en-suite facilities. Each cluster, generally containing six rooms provides a communal kitchen/ diner and living space. In addition the development includes a new reception, communal bar, multi-purpose space and restaurant facilities at ground floor level of the Chamberlain tower.
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Shortlisted Chamberlain Residence Scheme, Birmingham Nominated by Faithful+Gould
Sayer Court, Leamington Spa Nominated by Pick Everard
Willow Barns Extra Care Development, Stoke-on-Trent Nominated by PRP Architects
Majestic Court, Stoke-on-Trent Nominated by Jonathan Cornes Associates Ltd
The Crofts, Smethwick Nominated by Sandwell MBC - Urban Design
The judges said The Chamberlain Residence impressed throughout, scoring consistently across all categories. The design of the project was extremely positive, sympathetically responding to the neighbouring conservation through a striking modern design. Impact on the neighbouring community and future residents had also featured prominently by embracing the site’s levels and creating new views through to the listed park, The Vale. Finally, the environmental credentials were also excellent with a CHP solution which benefitted not only the development itself but also connected other residences within the campus.
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Call for entries! The RICS Awards celebrate excellence in the built environment and showcase the talent of property professionals behind the most ground breaking projects. All finalists will enjoy unparalleled public recognition at one of the industry’s most prestigious annual events. All regional winners will go forward to the Grand Final in October 2018. Entry to the Awards is open to everyone, not just those working within the property profession. For more information visit rics.org/awards or contact Carolyn Robins, RICS UK Awards Manager on + 44 7791 750142 or email crobins@rics.org Entries open in September 2017
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rics.org/awards
RICS Awards 2017 – The Winners
This award honours projects that make an outstanding contribution to tourism and leisure facilities in the region or their locality.
Tourism & Leisure Winner Rememberance Centre at the National Memorial Arboretum. Staffordshire National Memorial Arboretum Surveyor: Edmund Shipway Architect: Glenn Howells Architects Developer/Contractor: Stepnell Ltd Owner/Client:
The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire is the UK’s year-round centre of Remembrance; a spiritually uplifting place which honours the fallen, recognises service and sacrifice and fosters pride in our country. The new £15.7m Remembrance Centre engages materially with its environment with a soft material concept of larch timber and natural stone. The centre provides a gateway into the 150-acre site and is also home to exhibition, interpretation and retail spaces, a restaurant, a café and a learning centre.
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Shortlisted Compton Verney, Warwick Nominated by Purcell
Remembrance Centre at the National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire Nominated by Glenn Howells Architects
The Play’s The Thing Exhibition, Royal Shakespeare Company, Statford-upon-Avon Nominated by Pulse Associates Ltd
Perdiswell Leisure Centre, Worcester Nominated by Turner & Townsend
The judges said Situated among 30,000 trees on 150 acres at the heart of the UK the National Memorial Arboretum features over 300 memorials. The newly completed Remembrance Centre now offers a larger more vibrant focal point for visitors to the arboretum. With well designed high quality facilities in a relaxing and peaceful environment, the centre pays tribute to military and civilian heroes, enabling visitors to enjoy the varied exhibitions created to foster a deeper understanding of the importance of remembrance.
Grand Final 2 November 2017 12:00hrs–16:00hrs Intercontinental London Park Lane, One Hamilton Place, Park Lane, London W1J 7QY Hosted by: Dan Walker, BBC Breakfast News and Sport Anchor
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RICS Awards 2017 – The Winners
This award is presented to the project which has been judged overall as an excellent example of best practice by professionals working in both the built and natural environments.
Image credit: Andrew Priest Photography
Project of the Year Winner Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR), Stafford College of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Birmingham Surveyor: Faithful+Gould Architect: Glancy Nicholls Architects Developer/Contractor: Shaylor Group Owner:
The University of Birmingham (UoB) is one of the Russell Group of Universities whose aim is to help ensure that our universities have the optimum conditions in which to flourish and continue to make social, economic and cultural impacts through their world-leading research and teaching. The BIFoR project provides the infrastructure for a 10 year experiment on behalf of UoB to simulate the atmospheric conditions expected in 2070. The results will investigate the effects of climate
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Sponsored by
change on existing woodlands by building a Free-Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment (FACE) experiment site set in mature, unmanaged, temperate woodland. A woodland FACE facility comprises a series of cylindrical ring structures with supporting pipes delivering CO2 in such a way that the woodland inside the ring is immersed in elevated CO2 but the rest of the woodland remains largely unaffected. Innovations on the project will allow researchers to collect the data they need for their experiment whilst at the same time enabling the facility to be removed at the end of the experiment period leaving the woodland as ‘untouched’ as possible. This is only the third FACE research on trees ever attempted and the first in mature woodland. The project concept is unique in terms of the operating environment and the restrictive working conditions consequently innovation was at the heart of the project from the outset. Innovations included: •T he installation methodology for the arrays via helicopter to ensure minimal disruption to the ecology of the woodland •P refabrication of the research fellows cabins to ensure minimal potential for environmental disruption to the surrounding areas
•T he screw pile foundation solutions ensure that the complete facility can be removed at the end of the experiment period without significant impact to the ecology of the woodland •F ence posts founded in large plastic bins to contain the concrete and ensure no leaching of minerals into the subsoil •U tilisation of ‘bigfoot’ pads to minimise the requirement for disturbing the ground within the experiment areas As part of the overall development a new field compound was required comprising a series of linked architectural modular welfare buildings, CO2 storage / mechanical plant compound and associated parking area. This will allow scientists from the university to have a base for collecting biological samples from the FACE and control rings to assess the impacts of elevated CO2 levels on the ecosystem in the woodland. The welfare buildings were all finished in timber shingles to ensure they sat comfortably within the woodland environment.
vehicles passing into forest, biometric checking of all personnel entering (and for safety checks at end of each shift), avoidance of cement based products (to prevent leaching into ground) and bespoke inductions as work progress including induction video incorporating researchers viewpoints. The end product has been extremely well received by the academic team and the result of all the careful project planning has been that the facility is operating exactly as hoped for by the university. The facility was required to deliver to a very specific level with no bandwidth tolerances and for it to be operating to those standards is a testament to the effectiveness of the whole approach to the project from inception through to completion. The complete installation has been designed to be able to remove it entirely at the end of the experiment term leaving the woodland in as near an undisturbed condition as possible.
Contamination and desecration of woodland and specific areas within the rings was of great concern to researchers and could affect findings. A vigilant system of protection was installed including trackway protection for all trafficking from access roads, physical barriers to restrict access, washing of all footwear and
The judges said In an era of rapid globalisation, this small footprint research project aims to provide evidence of long term CO2 and climate change effects on UK forests and ecosystems; ultimately to influence political strategy. Leveraging a global collaborative effort with similar projects worldwide, intricately planned and precisely executed. More than ever, there is the need to balance our concrete infrastructure and technological advance with environmental degradation and this build will start to help us understand the value of our ‘Green Infrastructure’. 29
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