Dalkia, the independent European leader in multi-technical services in the areas of energy and communications, has won an 18-month design, supply, install and commission contract for a cleanroom at The University of Manchester, as part of a new build being constructed by Balfour Beatty.
Encompassing the company’s first contract win with Balfour Beatty, Dalkia is responsible for the design, supply, install and commission of the fabric, mechanical and electrical works for a cleanroom, access lobbies and concourse areas within an envelope of a new build in the University.
Their ability to interrogate existing designs and analyse how it may affect the ultimate use of the space and potential issues going forward meant we could iron out any unexpected problems at the outset, preventing any future roadblocks to the work.
Aaron Fearon, M&E Manager, Balfour Beatty
The activities taking place within the cleanroom require vibrations to be kept to a minimum, and therefore they are located within the basement of a seven-story building. To ensure the right utilities are brought to Dalkia’s working area, means that those undertaking the planning work are required to coordinate with the general M&E contractor.
In 2012, Manchester University announced an ambitious £1 billion, 10-year investment to create a world class campus, part of which was to embed sustainability within the estate and increase the positive impacts the University has on the environment. Part of the works contribute to this endeavour. The meters for the utilities form part of a coherent metering strategy to detail current energy efficiencies within the building.
Dalkia was awarded the contract based on the organisation’s expertise of cleanroom environments, the team’s understanding of what architectural elements, such as panelling system to use, the mechanical design for climate control and pressure regimes and Dalkia’s electrical expertise also proved indispensable for knowing the correct fittings for use within the cleanroom.
Dalkia’s BIM model and ‘client walk through’ capability also helped secure the works as it was possible for the client to view how they would look prior to them commencing, meaning numerous potential issues could be discussed and addressed far more quickly and efficiently.
We are really excited to be working at such a renowned institution as The University of Manchester and look forward to carrying out the planned additional works and developing our relationship with the University.
Steve Farmer, Divisional Managing Director, Dalkia
As a result of securing this contract, Dalkia was also invited to review the Textiles Laboratory at the University, which also needed critical climate control. Dalkia has subsequently been awarded these additional works.
Steve Farmer, Divisional Managing Director at Dalkia, said, “Dalkia works with a number of Universities. Earlier this year we were awarded a three-year framework contract with the University of Dundee, so we were confident that our team was best placed to undertake the works as part of the contract with Balfour Beatty.”
Aaron Fearon, M&E Manager at Balfour Beatty said, “While looking for a partner to work on the cleanroom contract, we received several recommendations about Dalkia’s capabilities. So far, we are impressed with what they have brought to the table. Their ability to interrogate existing designs and analyse how it may affect the ultimate use of the space and potential issues going forward meant we could iron out any unexpected problems at the outset, preventing any future roadblocks to the work.”