Scotland

Constructing the TIC

University of Strathclyde TIC

A project to construct a new Technology and Innovation Centre (TIC) for The University of Strathclyde continues to make great progress.

The Design and Build project is part of an £89 million investment by the university and comprises the construction of a nine-storey steel framed building on George Street, Glasgow. The building will include research facilities, such as bespoke laboratories, lecture theatres, open plan office accommodation and conferencing and event facilities.

The triangular structure is being built from 6000 pieces of steel, along with a mix of precast and insitu concrete, composite floor slabs, timber for the formworks and plasterboard for beams and partition walls. The TIC building is being constructed on a former brownfield site and externally will include glazed curtain walling, rain screen panels, anodised metal panels and a standing seam roof. The cladding is based on a ‘stick’ system, whilst the M&E works include the installation of displacement air, sprinklers and medical gas services.

To complete the project some landscaping work will take place and will comprise the installation of Caithness granite slabs, lit seating and trees.

To date the steel frame has been erected and the cladding work is currently underway. The composite floor slabs have been installed, the mechanical and electrical works are progressing well and work has begun on the internal fit out.

Work began on the project in June 2012 and is currently scheduled to reach completion on the 28th November 2014. Lend Lease Construction Ltd is the main contractor on the project, whilst Building Design Partnership (BDP) is providing all architectural services.

Commenting on the work, Norman Smith, Lend Lease, said:

“Due to the city centre location, we have had to use mast climbers to carry out the external cladding works. We have also had some road closures along Shuttle Street to allow works to progress. There was a requirement for significant temporary works around the site perimeter when constructing the basement.”

University of Strathclyde TIC

Once work is complete on the project, the new TIC will achieve a 30% betterment in technical standards and carbon reduction, along with both a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating for the Design and Post Construction and an EPC ‘A’ Rating.

Discussing the importance of the project, Norman, said:

“The project is very important to me, both professionally and personally. It will also create jobs and attract inward revenue through the involvement of small businesses, social enterprise groups and also the employment of new entrants to the construction industry.

“The completion of the project will assist in developing highly skilled graduates and post graduates as well as attracting investment to the city.”

Norman added:

“The building is unique and it will be a testimony to all of those who worked on it during construction and those who follow. The distinct shape of the building will make it another icon building for the City of Glasgow.”

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