Sixty8 at the Marina

Case Study

PORTISHEAD, BriSTOL

The greatest challenge at Sixty8 was design responsibility as Principal Contractor for “wrapping a building site around a live building” – managing the install around residents in 68 occupied apartments and retailers trading throughout on the ground floor; an exposed marina environment and complex geometry – all in a tightly built-up area.

A²O’s approach to tenant liaison is based on three core principles: engagement, honesty and communication. Months before start-on-site, all stakeholders were invited to a workshop where A²O set out their plans, programme and how they would be working around the building; were honest about the impact on lives, such as noise and restrictions on light, and explained the communication channels to be put in place.

A²O had full design responsibility as Principal Contractor and appointed a team of experts to complement their core skills and experience as a Facade Contractor.

To assure a quality build, internal controls included a passive fire safety certificate to LPS 1531, with all fire barrier locations shown on Bolster software. External checks by the consultant team meant the project was completed on time and on budget, and was instantly approved for funding by the NHBC.

A²O repurposed timber from the strip for raised beds at Willow Gardens community project, along with timber and insulation for scout huts. Over Christmas there were opportunities to partner with two local foodbanks.

Photo Credits: Paul Lindup, AIR Solutions Group

Sixty8, Portishead video – coming soon!

CUMMING GROUP

"A²O exceeded their pre-contract commitments, in particular on their design and management performance.

We would not hesitate to work with them again in future."

Nuria Velasco

Project Manager

Challenges

The major challenge at Sixty8 was wrapping a huge building site around people’s homes and shops.

Design responsibility was critical. This project was A²O‘s largest PC facade remediation to date, requiring a trusted set of design consultants.

There were residents, many elderly, living in all 68 flats, ground floor retailers requiring uninterrupted trading and other neighbouring businesses.

The built-up location made scaffolding access, large deliveries and loading difficult.

As-built information was limited, so early engagement was critical.

The facade design itself involved complex geometry and allowing for marine exposure.

To allow for quick, smooth release of funding by the NHBC, the project had to be run smoothly without incident to comply with tight budget constraints.