King's Cross R8
Committed to the future of King’s Cross
Following the successful completion of R3 Kings Cross McLaren construction were appointed to deliver their second project at King’s Cross, on behalf of Argent LLP (a partnership between Argent and Related).
Key points
Live environment
Due to the location of the site there are several stakeholders to consider throughout the works, including; users of the open park; a 9-storey residential block housing an Islamic educational centre to one side; a 14-storey residential apartment block to the other side; and working alongside other contractors, including a BAM site to the rear and Laing O’Rourke and Midgard sites in close proximity. At the earliest opportunity we familiarised ourselves with the project’s stakeholders and their key aspirations and challenges.
Network Rail Asset
The building is built to the exclusion boundary, stepping in 10m at basement level, to a Network Rail site of interest servicing the main King’s Cross lines. As part of the ECE, we assisted with the Form B submission, incorporating the crane bases into the permanent work design. Argent managed the “Asset” as part of the Asset Protection Agreement, with third party surveys taking place every three months.
Considering building safety
Complexity of façade inspections and evidence of compliance is incredibly onerous, given the post Grenfell market and requirements of the EWS1 form. We therefore recognised the need to utilise our digital snagging and defect tools to help manage and store works and quality inspection records that are available to all parties.
Value engineering
The scheme included the development of Stage 3 design and VE during an early engagement phase. We increased revenue options through 12 additional apartments or saving to reduce building height whilst doing that we were able to simplify and reduce costs to the facade.
In addition we were able to de-risk the manufacture and construction periods enabling making the development work smarter and harder. We collaborated with the incumbent design team, and in order to maintain continuity, provided competitive fees to retain Piercy & Co, Arup and Sweco through to delivery.
