Client: Highlands and Islands Enterprise
Location: Kirk Road, Dunbeg, PA37 1SZ
Key consultants
Architects: Oberlanders
Engineers: Goodsons Associates
M&E Designers: Harley Haddow
Fire Engineer – Jensen Hughes
Project duration
66 weeks
Project overview
The building is circa 1,500 m2, over two floors, primarily steel framed, with rainscreen cladding and Bauder flat roof system. Internal spaces include an entrance area with feature stair and bespoke balustrade/wall finishes, with communal rooms including meeting room and kitchen/collaboration accessed off this area. A central corridor leads from the entrance providing access to lift and WC/shower facilities, and then on to a ground floor area left as shell and core for future development.
The first floor accommodation comprises further kitchen collaboration space, lift and WC/shower facilities and 7 No. Office/Lab Suites with dedicated riser space. An external escape stair allows full access to all floors and continues to a second floor providing enclosed plant space at roof level together with solar PV and external plant with screening.
Key challenges
Location and size of site with limited space for storage of plant and materials, and restricted access over two elevations due to the existing carpark and footpaths.
Piling – restricted in methods due to proximity of nearby buildings. Opted for CFA Piling – to reduce the vibrational impact.
Site within the Oban Airport restriction zone – requiring permits and NOTAMS to be in place when operating piling rig and cranes onsite.
Unforeseen changes to design had to be managed and integrated into construction schedule
Key successes or innovations
Good working relationship with client, clients project management team, and design team.
Handed over high end quality finish with positive feedback from client and stakeholders.
Site achieved full marks from the considerate constructors scheme and received a national site award.
