Weatherwise (Special Projects) Ltd are currently delivering final design definition on their latest project win, at the Mann Island Development on the waterfront in Liverpool, for BAM Construction Ltd.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3hqIuyImvs

The Client is a JV between Countryside and Neptune, who expect the WWSP work package will start on site in April 2009.

The project comprises a commercial building and two residential buildings, the latter being separated by a structurally glazed Public Realm area spanning over 40 metres.

WWSP will be delivering some 16,000 Sq.m of unitised curtain walls for the main facades, 1,500 Sq.m of low iron structural glazing for the atriums and a further 6,000 Sq.m of both capped and structurally glazed “stick” curtain walls for the retail area and terraces.

The system components, both bespoke and standard, are being supplied by Schueco International to designs developed by the WWSP in-house design department and a specialist façade design bureau in Basle, Switzerland.

Following a consultative process, the residential buildings will have a black polished natural granite from China and the commercial building benefits from a textured granite sourced in Canada. All the other components are sourced in mainland Europe.

All the various materials will be delivered to an assembly facility in Italy, before being shipped to the WWSP logistics centre in Chester, from where they will be re-directed to the site on a just-in-time basis.

Sales Director, David Gillespie is enthusiastic about the project and is excited about the various challenges the architecture presents to WWSP. The residential buildings take a very innovative form which befits a World Heritage development authorised by Unesco. David says he has enjoyed working with architects Broadway Malyan in keeping to their architectural aspirations alongside, in more detail, the actual design intent.

WWSP have managed to meet the stringent Part L parameters for the thermal performance of the building, working in conjunction with BAM and their Mechanical Engineers. Acoustic and fire strategies have also been established and complied with.

WWSP are currently looking at other major developments, seeking to extend its’ market share in a controlled, sustainable way. “Total envelope is the way forward”, says David, “coupled with off-site modularisation whenever that is practical. That is the way forward and where we see our future expansion in the UK market place”. 

Web Cam:  http://www.camserv.co.uk/neptune/mann_island.htm
 

Weatherwise,were appointed to work on the façade of the latest residential phase of development at the Lowry Centre, Salford Quays in Manchester.

This prestigious and very visible project is 17 storeys high and involves the use of both a Terracotta Rainscreen System and horizontally fixed mineral fibre flat panels in varying modules.

Weatherwise provided the most competitive and workable solution to overcome the difficult and restrictive site conditions.

The project had very restricted access to the elevations and very little storage area, therefore, close co-ordination of deliveries and methods of installation were required.

Weatherwise secured the contract due to thier impressive track record of handling complex projects with stringent performance specifications.

Weatherwise were awarded the £1.25 million contract for cladding and roofing on the ambitious Tempus Tower apartments at Irwell Quays in Manchester.

Built within the façade of the Grade II listed Royal Mail buildings on Mirabel Street in Central Manchester, the 21 storey apartment building will add an impressive new shape to the skyline and will contain 146 apartments.

The project involves the use of a Zinc and Terracotta Rainscreen, a Brick Cladding System and a single ply membrane to the roof and podium levels.

Due to the complexity of having different wall systems, the stringent performance specification required a lightweight framing system to support the various areas. Which were included in our scope.

Weatherwise were awarded the project by Laing O’Rourke - Northern.