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International Entertainment Corporation v Tier one Main Contractor et als
A significant project to construct a number of new film studios and associated buildings and infrastructure at the existing iconic Pinewood Studios site.
Tier One Contractor (TOC) were engaged as the Principle Contractor under a design and build form of contract. TOC sub-contracted a significant sub-package for the buildings walls and roof to a specialist off-site system manufacturer.
The works were scheduled to take several years to complete and partial handovers were implemented in a phased program.
Approximately 2 years after completion of Phase 1, leaks were experienced in the main roofs and gutters. After many attempts to remedy this failed and with no obvious solution in sight. The parties involved began litigation procedures.
RAM Building Consultancy were appointed amongst a panel of experts to consider the design specification and the installation process.
RAM were required to provide advice and attendance on the opening up of the construction in key identified areas, to assess the design, the installation and observe first-hand the failures being experienced.
The roof and walls consisted of off-site pre-fabricated panels. Manufactured in Europe, shipped to site and assembled on site, the roof element being completed with insitu green roof sedum type finishes.
Without going into specifics, the design was extremely complex and relied upon even more complex simulated computer modelling of the long-term performance of the ‘cassettes’ (off-site construction panels).
RAM were asked to consider the data that had been put into various complex performance predication programs, such as WUFI. To provide commentary on whether this data was appropriate and would provide an accurate prediction.
RAM were also required to research and comment on the use of Hygrodiode vapour control layers. Including how these may interact with the use of green roof sedum finishes. This is still relatively new technology world-wide and there have been mixed results, dependent upon geo-locators, construction techniques and other interactive building elements.
