PROJECTS
How careful cost engineering helped create an iconic HQ building and community facilities for Wiltshire FA.
After many years, and much effort, Wiltshire FA, in partnership with Devizes Town Council, the FA and the Football Foundation, were finally able to secure funding to relocate their HQ and create a new community football facility in the heart of Wiltshire.
The vision
To create an iconic facility that would improve quality and access to football facilities in Wiltshire, increase grassroots participation and inspire the whole community to get involved in the game.
The details
Overview:
A 2000 sqm football pavilion with office spaces and a function space.
Location:
Devizes, Wiltshire
Timescale:
6 months
Works included:
- Insulated, pre-finished panels
- Open plan office space with vaulted ceilings
- A bright and modern function room with bifold doors leading to a terrace
- Changing rooms for adjoining grass and 3G pitches.
The challenges
Value engineering
Although we’d won the competitive tender, costs had come in over budget. So our first job was to look for ways we could save the client money, without changing the overall feel of the building. We went through the designs with a fine-tooth comb, interrogating each item and stripping out any unnecessaries. We identified changes to the mechanical and engineering system, flooring and ceilings that would help bring the project closer to the budget.
The change that had the biggest impact was changing the spec for the office space ceilings – we were using smart, prefinished insulated panels, so instead of adding a nondescript low ceiling with fluorescent lights, we left the vaulted ceiling open, saving money and making the space feel more open and brighter.
Handling unprecedented lockdowns
Mid-way through the project, covid and lockdown hit and we were delayed by a couple of months. When we were able to get back to site, we had to navigate new ways of working, and protect our most vulnerable team members, including people with shielding family members.
Despite the delays and new protocols, the team made a herculean effort to catch up and still finish the build pretty much on time.
The impact
A striking building that delivered the original vision, on budget, and just about on time despite the covid lockdowns. Most importantly, we built a brilliant hub that has helped bring football back to the heart of the Devizes community.
“This project was a big team effort, and quite different to the type we normally do. We all had a real aspiration, even on the budget, to do something really impressive. PAH were a key part of the project. One of the things I like is the clarity and honesty they give in terms of what you can achieve on the budget, what’s really possible, instead of trying to achieve something you can’t. I’m always impressed with their level of detail and understanding of design and aspirations. They come up with solutions to problems, are optimistic and positive as a company with a real can-do attitude throughout the team. They say they can do it, then they deliver, I’ve seen that time and again, and it’s rare to find a whole team that has that.”
Nick Birch, Birch Architects
Lead architect for this project (while at Barclay Phillips.)