Dedication and flexibility - key to delivering Derby Quad Centre build schedule

The 'Quad' Building in Derby is one of the first constructions undertaken under the auspices of Derby Cityscape, the Urban Regeneration Company that guides the rejuvenation of Derby City Centre.

Built on the site of other local landmarks, the Hippodrome and the Playhouse, Derby Quad was designed by architects Feilden Clegg Bradley of Bath, to be a modern, innovative IT & Media centre housing two Cinemas.

When final planning was granted during the Autumn  of 2005, the project began with completion expected towards the end of 2007. A key feature of the design was the use of locally sourced building materials wherever possible, and the stone intended for the rainscreen system was chosen from a seam at a local quarry. The sub-contractor originally appointed by Morgan Ashurst (the main contractor) for the design, supply and installation of the rainscreen system was Stonescreen. Despite their early appointment, by November of 2007, Stonescreen had made little progress towards the rainscreen installation, and the decision was taken to select alternative supply-chain partners. Domus Facades were appointed to supply the stone-cladding system and tiles; Aliva Engineering Ltd was chosen to install the Metsec® SFS complete with cementacious boarding, in addition to designing and installing the stone rainscreen system - extending to 1200m2. The on-site management team was made up of John Slaughter, Charlie Kakoullis, Antonio Leveneziana and Carla Ravaioli; with a scope of works covering four distinct areas.
• Installation of Metsec® and cementacious board
• Installation of rainscreen system & insulation
• Installation of Stone Tiles
• Installation of Capping and flashings

Metsec® and cementacious board

The installation began on December 3rd 2007 with a schedule of 4 weeks; the primary objective was to ensure the site was watertight by the Christmas break. Aliva immediately proposed a system, designed in direct contrast to that which Stonecreen had part-installed. The first task on-site was to totally remove this in readiness for the Metsec® and cementacious board which when it arrived on-site, came in standard lengths. Working extended hours, installers individually cut all horizontal & vertical Metsec®, and all the cementacious boards to size, taping the perimeters and joints, creating a water/air-tight structure. The building was watertight within 11 days and whilst further design & installation work was required later to accommodate a parapet structure, the installers left site within 15 days.