Introduction
Solinear’s new case study is centred around a revolutionary new development built in the city of Manchester.
As well as being renowned for its music, culture and vibrant night life, Manchester has one of the fastest growing economies in the UK and is a key driver of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership – successfully attracting national and global businesses making it a prime location for contemporary residential development.
Located in the centre of an impressive regeneration project in the Piccadilly Basin district connecting the bohemian Northern Quarter to cosmopolitan Ancoats and New Islington – Oxygen Towers is one of the most notable and iconic of the developments.
Main contractor, Russell WBHO began work on the three-tower residential scheme in May 2017 – 10 years after the site first secured planning approval.
Hailed as Manchester’s first vertical village – the 379,485sq development comprises of 12 three storey townhouses at ground level, as well as 361 one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments in the cluster of three 32, 16 and 10-storey residential towers. At the heart of the building is a social hub offering residents a variety of leisure amenities including a swimming pool, gym and spa. Tower 1 also incorporates a double-height retail unit on the ground floor and there are also shared outdoor spaces with Tower 3 featuring a garden terrace of stepped allotments on the south corner of the building, offering residents the opportunity to grow their own food.
A truly spectacular development, the Solinear team was delighted to be approached by Jon Matthews Architects to work on the unique and innovative Oxygen Towers project.
Task
Solinear’s Versatil soffit louvre system was specified by the architect as an appropriate soffit treatment for the overhangs around the perimeter of the building so the team designed and manufacture a suitable bespoke system for this purpose. Once the specially molded-to-fit system was manufactured, Solinear would then be transporting all the components to site and installing in the overhanging eaves.
As it would transpire, Solinear’s contribution to this monumental project would not end there and the intricacies and complexities of the job would give the team plenty to think about.…
Action
As installation of the soffit louvre system progressed it presented the Solinear site team with some interesting challenges.
Some of the soffit louvre installation needed to be installed within overhangs at either end of the building which required bird cage scaffolding to be erected to allow access.
Versatil soffit louvre systems are often tricky as they require overhead installation, which can slow down installation progress – think Michaelangelo and the Sistine Chapel! Whilst many believe he painted it whilst laying on his back, he in fact painted while standing on a plank of wood with his head and upper body arched backwards, looking upwards toward the ceiling. And, of course, he had to paint the whole thing with his hands above his head. Those who’ve had to carry out detailed and painstaking work above their head will appreciate how quickly it becomes awkward and painful.
However, as work progressed, Solinear demonstrated how efficiently the team worked at installing the system, additionally it became clear to everyone how hugely impressive the soffit louvre system was – therefor Solinear was invited to tender for the fin and louvre package on the remainder of the project. Solinear offered a suitable product for both the vertical fins and louvres and subsequently the tender was successful with the contract being awarded to Solinear.
Just as the team had completed the initial task to design, manufacture, supply and install the Versatil soffit louvre system for the overhangs around the perimeter of Oxygen Towers, it was time to continue with the design and manufacture of the newly awarded contract which incorporated flue covers, louvre elements and fins – including the intricate arrangement of allotment fins.
For fins to the allotment area, the Solinear team needed to layout the system to suit the curvature of the staircase. Curving of the support rails to the fins on the allotment stairwell required curving smaller individual sections to tight radii and then welding together to achieve larger overall sections. Solinear also designed and manufactured a bespoke Secured By Design access gate to the allotment area. Secured by Design (SBD) is the official police security initiative that is designed to improve the security of buildings and their immediate surroundings, providing safe places to live, work, shop and visit.
Result
Oxygen Towers, with its many facets, has given the Solinear team the opportunity to fully explore its depth of knowledge and experience whilst demonstrating resourcefulness and efficient working practice.
The team was presented with and overcame a variety of challenges including some logistical factors as other elements of works were scattered all over the three individual towers of the Oxygen development.
Additionally, Solinear required large quantities of varying materials – most notably 150mm thick mineral wool insulation, however, the site was lacking storage and space was at a premium, therefore materials had to be delivered to site on a “just in time” basis before work could progress.
As well as the restrictions on delivery and storage of materials – to complicate matters further, Covid, was causing disruption throughout the construction industry. The team needed to coordinate working around other trades, trying to maintain continuity of works whilst waiting for areas to be made available to Solinear site workers.
Once again, the Solinear team has demonstrated resourcefulness and efficient working practice as well as highlighting how adaptable Solinear’s products can be.
The incredible versatility of Solinear’s products allowed each system to be of a custom-made design, suiting the project’s specific requirements and its many intricacies.
With each project it seems that Solinear is finding a niche for itself in delivering bespoke/specialist soffit/canopy treatments, similarly found in other Solinear projects including MAI, Oman 4 Wellington Street, Leeds and Mann Island, Liverpool amongst others.
It was a pleasure to work with consummate professionals on this landmark project, including Jon Matthews Architects and Russell WBHO who pride themselves on employing “a ‘one-team’ collaborative approach, bringing together in-house expertise, sub-contractors, suppliers, partner professionals, clients and their representatives to deliver consistently successful projects.”
Residents will greatly benefit from Solinear’s work on Oxygen Towers both in relation to architectural enhancement – bringing cohesive elements to the exterior of the building – and practical intent – allowing vital airflow and screening where required.
Gallery
