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The new RNLI Porthdinllaen all-weather lifeboat station on the north coast of Wales is a perfect example of seamless teamwork and admirable co-ordination combining to deliver a stunning project in a challenging environment. The success of the project was down to close collaborative working between the contractor (BAM Nuttall), designer (Clive Moore Architectural Services) and client (RNLI) throughout the construction process.
The project team demonstrated both remarkable commitment and extraordinary agility to overcome significant challenges and create a design fi t for an area of outstanding natural beauty, with minimal impact on the environment. The RNLI team – highly successful, client-focused and design-led – was underpinned by Hoare Lea’s commitment to excellence and its passion for innovative, sustainable, low carbon design.
One of four new Tamar Class All Weather Lifeboat Stations, RNLI Porthdinllaen replaced an inefficient boatshed built in 1888 that was no longer fi t for purpose. It was designed and built to the most rigorous detailing using only the best materials to ensure the building is tough enough to withstand the brutal marine environment in which it must operate.
A ground source heat pump was introduced to provide underfloor heating to occupied areas, with main operational areas – such as the boat hall – remaining unheated. Hoare Lea provided invaluable input for the civil/structure and MEP systems. This cutting-edge consultancy understands the need to focus on ‘real’ performance and energy in use, and the consequential requirement to remain involved post completion.
The team used a cloud-based platform called ‘The Box’, which enabled all project information to be stored in one place. Requests for information on the project were managed via The Box and parties could upload revised drawings, or seek other disciplines’ drawings and specifications.
Formal project meetings were also held to record progress and discuss actions. BAM Nuttall developed a base BIM model, with Opus and Hoare Lea input for the civil/structure and MEP systems respectively. The intention is to use the model for future long-term maintenance plans for the building.
The team is currently asset-tagging the BIM model with manufacturers’ data and information. The collaborative team approach has been built on knowledge, expertise and trust accumulated over a decade (since the RNLI formed the core team) and a £75 million investment programme for refurbishments.