The Landsdowne

The new building has regenerated a run-down car park in a prominent spot. The car park was demolished to make way for the new tower which was constructed using market leading precast concrete panels, with all bricks cast in-situ during the offsite manufacturing process.

We promoted the use of offsite manufacturing due to the benefits in terms of quality, consistency, safety and programme. There were also benefits for the neighbouring community with vehicle movement and emissions significantly reduced on this extremely busy intersection, as the frame and envelope quickly rose on the Birmingham skyline.

The structure was constructed throughout one of the harshest winters on record in 2017/18, but the benefits of offsite manufacturing were justified with the frame being completed on programme in early 2018. The pre-cast frame incorporates a 410mm thick sandwich panel external envelope, 200mm thick hollow core floor planks and a steel frame structure sitting on top to form the penthouse balconies. Two-storey height windows have been formed in curtain walling to provide a weather tight finish.

To aid the construction programme, temporary waterproof layers were installed at Levels 5, 10 and 14; enabling internal fit-out to commence without the risk of weather damage. Internal finishes were planned and managed to ensure they were completed on programme. The team used tablets on-site with cloud based apps, such as ‘Plan Grid’ to track process and record quality.

We adopted local charity, Edwards Trust as the project charity throughout the build. The Trust supports children and facing loss and surviving bereavement across the West Midlands by providing holistic therapies, counselling and respite.

The site team regularly volunteered and undertook extensive building improvements and maintenance works including soundproofing the consulting rooms, offices and stair case.

Over £5,000 was raised for the Trust through a project swimathon and Interserve Employee Foundation awarded the charity a £1,000 grant for the development of new wellbeing services.

The team also ran site campaigns to promote healthy eating and men’s mental health in association with local Birmingham ‘Mind’ charity.

The local community were kept up to date with progress on site through the live site Twitter feed, regular newsletters delivered to residents and businesses, timelapse camera web portal and a community notice board on Hagley Road. Through this engagement, Tilbury Douglas assisted the local community; clearing the public footway during heavy snow and donating furniture to Community Organisations. Site tours were provided to a number of local groups with milestone celebrations held following the completion of the Show Apartment and Topping Out.

The team also produced YouTube videos to showcase various aspects of the project and promote construction to a wider audience.

Careers in construction were promoted throughout with over 10 work experience placements undertaken during the build, together with careers talks and advice for students at the local St Paul’s School for Girls and the Women in Construction day promoted on site.

57% of the project spend was within a 20 mile radius meaning that we were contributing back into local businesses and helping stimulate the local economy.