Old Tree Court, Plymouth

Ridge, appointed by Land Securities Trillium to oversee the construction of this new development, procured the project on a Design and Build basis and won the commission on the strength of a relationship with the client.
Ridge was awarded the responsibility of Development Monitoring, advising the client on quality, cost and time in relation to the project; subsequent to the original appointment, Ridge was later required to provide interface to the fit-out contractor.
The City Council required the building to be notably impressive as it is the first major visual encounter when approaching the city from Exeter. Overlooking the marina and 40 yards from the sea, the 7-storey construction has a steel frame with external cladding of glazing, granite and terracotta. The Sarnafil roof has a single roof membrane with a syphonic drainage system.
Internally, there is an impressive open atrium rising up through the building; there is carparking in the basement, and of the three lifts one is 'scenic'. To reach the required BREEAM Rating, the building had to be a functional and high quality construction, with minimal operational costs. The choice of all design materials, plant and equipment had to be considered to moderate the life-cycle costs whilst meeting the approval of planning.

• Ridge investigated issues such as the power supplier and the type of meters used;
• The building management system and computer installations were researched and reviewed extensively;
• The design of the windows were considered with thought to cost savings on cleaning expenses;
• Brise Soleil were installed to reduce solar gain;
• Natural ventilation was integrated where possible but where air conditioning was necessary, all options were reviewed calculating running costs v. capital expenditure.
• Staff transport modes were analysed and travel plans agreed.
• Ridge established maintenance procedures for the running of the building.

The Planners stipulated the use of high quality finishes inside and out and there were considerable planning issues in respect of open and external areas - public space was a conditional issue and required complex negotiations with the planners. The landscaping scheme is substantial and enhanced with considerable use of seating areas and sculptural art.