University of Birmingham
Caxton Builders is working alongside main contractor Morgan Sindall on University of Birmingham Molecular Sciences Building. The university is investing in a new facility which will provide a designated hub for the School of Chemistry along with facilities for the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences (GEES).
This facility, due to complete in May 2023 will strengthen the university’s core research capabilities in the chemical, environmental and bio-molecular sciences, fostering an environment in which world class research can be carried out.
98,000 bricks and 14,000 blocks
The project consists of two buildings, Main Science Building and the Energy Centre. The external façade is very decorative with an unusual, entwined bond of brickwork. The overall project value is £57,000,000 and our element is currently £890,000 consisting of 98,000 bricks and 14,000 blocks.
(Image – Morgan Sindall).
Main Science Building
Our works on the main building, which was a concrete frame building consisted of internal blockwork plant rooms, stores and service risers. Externally we are building a brickwork façade in a Depp brick, alongside cladding and render by others.
Decorative brickwork
The brickwork is decorative with Half Bond, English and Flemish bond entwined and feature areas of projecting headers, all in coloured mortar. This brickwork also includes all the installation of the types of insulation, tie channels, ties, single leaf lintels, dpc’s, movement joints, masonry support and two types of fire barriers. (Caxton Builders is FIRAS accredited to install fire barriers). External walls varied in height from 1m to 6m on the elevations and 32m on the east and west towers.
Energy Centre
The second building was the Energy Centre, which was steel frame and fully traditional cavity and internal masonry walls. They consisted of paint grade blockwork cavity walls and paint grade internal dividing walls separating the various internal rooms. Built within these walls were stainless steel wind posts to support the internal blockwork walls. Again the external brickwork was the decorative Depp brick. Included was the installation of two types of insulation, cavity lintels, concrete fire rated lintels, dpc’s, cavity ties, fire barriers, movement joints. This building was approx. 6m tall to all elevations.
Full service installation and management
Caxton Builders provided a full supply and installation management package. We supplied all materials, labour and managed ourselves. We built both the sub structure and super structure masonry for both buildings.
Progress shots
Project challenges
Our project duration was 28 weeks which commenced on 14th May 2022, but the duration has extended a further 17 weeks due to design changes and on site issues with preceding trades materials as a result of COVID-19 supply issues. However working closely with the Morgan Sindall management team, we have worked closely and effectively to overcome any challenges faced.
Find out more about University of Birmingham Molecular Sciences Building on their website and watch Morgan Sindall’s building walk through video.
