North Quay House refurb

Case Study

North Quay House refurb

TEMPLE BACK, BRISTOL

North Quay was a major refurbishment, with a 4-storey extension, new
double-height reception and increased Cat A office space.

North Quay House is part of a high-impact, phased retrofit of three dated 1980s waterfront buildings to create the new Neighbourhood community, upgrading the building’s fabric, mechanical and electrical systems.

Phase 1, Neighbourhood North, included the refurbishment of the existing brick with Corium brick slip; obsidian Equitone Natura panels to the curtain wall main entrance feature, bronze finish aluminium planks to the glazed bays, together with insulation, fire barriers and SFS.

Neighbourhood North was shortlisted in the retrofit and refurb classes of various regional competitions and won the Regeneration Project of the Year at regional Michelmore’s Property Awards.

Photos © Rob Parrish & Stride Treglown

ISG Construction (West)

"North Quay House in Bristol is our latest project to demonstrate the power of refurbishment to deliver embodied carbon savings versus redevelopment, while transforming operational efficiency.”

Steve Whyman

CEO Broadgate Estates

Challenges

The was limited availability of drawings and accurate data of the existing building. Site surveys had to be taken after start on site, as areas of the existing structure were exposed.

Detailed design coordination was necessary with the curtain wall subcontractor.

The intersection of the new higher, four-storey extension with the existing profile of the corner tower, was complicated.

Due to the tight city centre site, storage space was highly restricted, which required additional logistics planning.

The client set demanding sustainability targets to optimise energy efficiency, and reduce operational and embodied carbon emissions.

The facade had to be passive fire-engineered for safety.

Solutions

A2O developed bay studies and retained design resources throughout in order to adjust the design as the project progressed and as the existing structure was exposed.

A2O worked closely with the curtain wall installer to develop interface details.

The geometry of the interface of the new extension and existing corner required particular attention in detailing the design.

A number of small ‘just in time’ deliveries had to be made, with planned dates adjusted to suit progress on site.

Building envelope performance was enhanced with the new windows, extra insulation to soffits and more. The retrofit obtained BREEAM Outstanding.

The facade was installed to the passive fire standard LPS 1531.