Jennie Lee Building, Open University, Milton KeynesRidge has been involved in the re-development of the Open University’s Campus since 2002. The brownfield site, located at the heart of the University, was home to the existing Jennie Lee Building - the former the Library which became vacant following construction of a new library facility. The Open University has one of the highest populations of the Great Crested Newt in Europe and careful planning with English Nature was undertaken prior to any Works commencing. Demolition of the existing building was carried out with minimal disruption to the Campus, with the majority of demolition materials being recycled. Ridge carried out detailed Cost Planning at all Stages of the project, the result of which prompted several Value Engineering Workshops in order to maintain the Clients budget. Ridge also prepared monthly, bespoke Cost Reports and in turn completed the University’s own, in-house Cost Reports and cashflows for use by the Finanace Department in drawing down monies from the Funding Streams. The building features a central atrium area with circulation bridges and bespoke ETFE rooflight over, laboratory spaces at ground floor with a further two storeys of open plan offices with two main cores to provide flexibility of layout. The elevations comprise bespoke design curtain walling with reconstituted stone cladding panels to the rear and main entrances of the building. The building will achieve BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating with a number of sustainability features being incorporated into the project, such as using rainwater harvesting and natural ventilation. The project was completed to the Clients satisfaction and Ridge has subsequently been appointed as Cost Consultant on the Capital Projects Framework for the next three years. |
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