The construction process of One Moulsecoomb Way, like most development projects, follows the RIBA Plan of Work. This plan summarises the entire construction process into 8 stages from ‘Strategic definition’ to ‘Use’
Stage 0, Strategic definition is the first stage within the construction process, this involves the preparation of the clients requirements and their project budget. An initial site appraisal will be conducted to determine the feasibility of the site for the clients requirements.
Stage 1, Preparation and Briefing involves the final budget being agreed on for the project along with feasibility studies, project brief, project outcomes and project execution plan. A comprehensive site survey will also be conducted, all these documents will help support the project in the design process and planning application.
Stage 2, Concept design is where a design team will first be allocated to the project, they will provide detailed plans of the proposed site and the first visual look at the property. The design team will also ensure the project is compliant with building regulations and is structurally sound. This stage is crucial for gaining possible stake holders in the project as they will be able to see what they will be investing into, a significant stakeholder in One Moulsecoomb Way is Student Roost who will be the primary stake holder in the future of this project, occupying the majority of the usable area.
Stage 3, Spatial coordination is where the plans made in the previous stage are reviewed against building regulations, and a revised budget is also calculated with the new information from the engineering and architectural designs. Change control procedures will be initiated so as the project develops any possible changes from the stakeholders, construction process, or environment can be effectively managed without creating unnecessary delays. Finally the planning application will be prepared and submitted with a comprehensive collection of supporting documents. Planning application for One Moulsecoomb Way was submitted on 23/04/2019 and was approved on 16/12/2019.
Stage 4, Technical design involves the detailed development of architectural and engineering designs, finalising on the proposed finished project. A specialist subcontractor will be integrated into the project. A construction phase plan will also be created to ensure the construction of the project has a structured and efficient method. The design team will submit a ‘building regulations application’ to ensure the proposed project is compliant with building regulations and any necessary adjustments made.
Stage 5, Manufacturing and control is one of the broadest stages in the RIBA plan of work as it encompasses the whole construction phase of the project, from the initial foundations and services being installed to the completion. This stage requires the site logistics to be finalised, the inspection of construction quality, and commissioning of the building. The subcontractor will carry out the construction phase plan ensuring the project is compliant with planning conditions. A building manual will also be created in preparation to the handover of the building to the client, this will include information like heath and safety and fire safety.
Stage 6, Handover is when the completed building will be handed over from the development team to the client. A successful handover will ensure that any defects have been resolved and the client is fully aware of the proper methods to maintain and use the building, e.g., fire suppression/detection systems, climate control, sustainable practices on installed building services., This handover period is crucial to ensure the building is used to its maximum capabilities in the most sustainable manner.
Stage 7, Use. The final stage in the RIBA plan of work is to undertake a Post Occupancy Evaluation, this is to see whether the building is operating as intended. Any functionality and operational issues can be resolved which many reduce the running cost of the building. At this point a revised Building Manual can be published to accommodate for any changes.
One Moulsecoomb Way is currently nearing the end of Stage 5 with the exterior nearing completion and an estimated project completion date of September 2022.