Gilbert-Ash completes another world first
Friday 29th May 2015
Gilbert-Ash has just completed handover of the new Innovation Centre for 5G Technology at the University of Surrey which is the first facility of its kind worldwide, dedicated to the Research and Development of 5G technologies. The project is a collaboration between the University of Surrey and several private sector investors including the major telecom service providers and mobile device manufacturers.
The Centre offers the UK’s only large-scale test-bed, which will be used to prototype technological solutions, helping to define the global approach to 5G as it moves towards standardisation. It also hosts dedicated specialist laboratories for network testing and management, and communications electronics.
The 5GIC will address key challenges in the development of a 5G infrastructure capable of providing connectivity for future technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), Machine Type Communications (MTC) and Big Data.
The design & build BIM project commenced on site in February 2014 and handed over early April 2015. The project was registered with the Considerate Constructors Scheme and achieved a score of 44 and is on track to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating. The building itself also includes several construction related innovations.
Included in the design of 5G was a unitised curtain walling system. The installation of such a system not only produces an architecturally pleasing façade, but is also advantageous in terms of speed, cost and quality. It is a fully tested, prefabricated modular system, which includes all the required components to complete the façade. Prefabrication means high cost efficiency and the modular, unitised nature of the system negates the requirement for scaffolding and labour intensive installation processes.
The system provides a one-stop solution to cladding the building and controlling the internal environment. Each unit is wired to a central weather station located on the roof of the building. There are window actuators present on every window, as the weather changes, detections by the weather station control opening/closing to achieve natural cooling and ventilation. Brise Soleil are also wired into the panels and solar shading controlled similarly.
John Davis, Contracts Manager for Gilbert-Ash on 5G commented ‘This was a highly complex building with several unique work packages. Gilbert-Ash believes in an ethos of proactive collaboration with our supply chain on all our projects, making sure that we work with the right people at the right time, and focus on clear and timely communication throughout the build process. This ensures that we hand over a building that we, the client and our supply chain can be proud of. I would like to thank our supply chain for their positive attitude and attention to detail, ensuring that we handed over a high performance building to our client, that will meet their operational needs for the duration of its life cycle’.
Ray Hutchinson, Managing Director of Gilbert-Ash commented ‘Completion of the 5G Innovation Centre further enhances Gilbert-Ash’s portfolio in the Science & Technology Sector, which involves the delivery of highly technically complex buildings. Other projects in our portfolio include the Institution of Engineering & Technology, the R&D Centre of Excellence and Corporate Headquarters for the Almac Group, the Centre of Excellence for Fetal Medicine at King’s College Hospital and the British Film Institute’s Master Film Archive which at the time of building, was the most airtight building in Europe’.
