Overview
Ion Science, a leading manufacturer of technologically advanced gas detection equipment based in Hertfordshire, needed its new facility ready for launch in a short timeframe.
LockMetal was recommended to Ion Science by a supplier at the point where the project needed pace as well as design clarity. We were appointed to design, supply, and install the rainscreen cladding and cappings to the new R&D building, working to a tight, three-month facade programme.
The finished building delivers exactly what the client wanted: a visually striking, statement cladding design that looks smart from every angle and reflects the technical nature of the business.
Products delivered
LockMetal designed, supplied, and installed:
• Rainscreen cladding
• Cappings
All elements were coordinated to deliver the architect’s intended statement facade within the tight programme.
Ion Science R&D Building
The challenge
The main challenges on this project came from extended design uncertainty and the need to deliver quickly once decisions were finally made.
• The architect and client had spent around ten months working with panel manufacturers to achieve the design they wanted, which delayed progress significantly.
• Ground conditions on site meant the groundworks and cladding could not be carried out at the same time. The facade needed to be completed ahead of the groundworks, increasing pressure on sequencing and programme.
• The client wanted the R&D building ready for launch by January 2024, which translated into a very short, three-month window for LockMetal to deliver the facade package.
Results
LockMetal allocated a full project team and set a firm goal of completing the whole facade within three months, ahead of the groundworks. This alignment of design, manufacture, and site teams was key to maintaining momentum.
By resolving the design quickly and value-engineering the panel layout, we turned what was a protracted design phase into a clear, buildable solution that could be delivered at pace to meet the client’s needs.
This project is a strong example of our agility, with LockMetal responding to a late enquiry from a recommended supplier, engaging quickly with all parties, and applying pace without compromising the quality or impact of the final product.
“If I had another project, I’d definitely have LockMetal on it.”
Jon Fitzpatrick, Site Manager
Other projects
The solution
LockMetal focused on unlocking the stalled design, value-engineering the panel layout, and organising the works so the facade could be completed within the three-month programme.
• As soon as we were engaged, we reviewed the existing design work with the architect, client, and panel manufacturer, quickly highlighting the design opportunities and narrowing down the options to an agreed solution. This brought stability and cohesion to a design process that had been in stasis.
• We then redesigned the panels to save costs and reduce production and installation times – a clear example of proper value engineering, achieving programme gains and cost savings with no loss to structural integrity or appearance.
• Working closely with the manufacturer, we established a clear action plan and cut down lead times where possible, ensuring that materials would be available in line with the strict programme.
Value-engineered statement cladding on a rapid-turnaround R&D facility.
Client
Ion Science
Location
Royston, Hertfordshire
Package size
£450k