£7m-£10m

On this state-of-the-art project, which encompassed a large ETFE roof and a slew of energy-saving technologies, Paul Jaffray gave a model demonstration of the modern construction manager’s role in bringing together and inspiring the project team.

At the heart of his success was his inclusion of the client in all aspects of the construction process, giving unimpeded site access to the project’s many funding bodies.

Jaffray’s provision of technical solutions as problems arose built the client’s confidence in his ability to deliver. For example, the independent clerk of works informed him that the edges of the proposed bison slabs for the precast floors were prone to chipping when slung into place and would require extensive post-installation repair. Jaffray discussed the issue with the slab manufacturer, which agreed to cast in lifting points to avoid the use of underslings, keeping damage to a minimum.

Likewise, he held detailed discussions with the subcontractors at every construction stage to ensure they fully understood what was required of them. Involved in HBG’s mentoring scheme, he also allocated the positions of site manager and M&E manager to younger members of staff.

On the construction side, he had the complex steelwork support for the ETFE roof test-erected in Germany after its manufacture there to ensure this critical-path structure would present no problems on site.

He also instigated value-engineering exercises to save money. All this, plus the use of innovative sustainable systems, such as rainwater recycling, solar panels and a biomass boiler, produced a building that oozes quality.

Silver

Christopher Odei I Site manager, Wallis Interiors I Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London: refurbishment of college building, completed in 101 weeks, £8.9m, JCT 1998 with contractor’s design

A phased refurb of an occupied seven-storey building presents a bigger fistful of failure points than usual. The health and safety risks are considerable, and there are multiple deadlines rather than the big bang of a single practical completion date.

But Chris Odei managed these challenges with style. His performance persuaded the client to progressively award Wallis all four phases of this project, and also went a long way to winning the contractor a £10m deal to redevelop another of the client’s campuses.

During the extensive asbestos removal, demolition and M&E work – all of which had the potential to seriously disrupt the project Odei was the key figure in driving construction forward. His hard work and dedication, plus excellent teamwork and good communication, allowed him to hit all the key dates and keep the rest of the campus operational.

He addressed material and workmanship standards long before site installation. He assessed the specification through mock-ups, samples and factory visits, which gained early client agreement and set quality benchmarks.

The finishes for new lift cars, ironmongery, lab benching, windows, doors and service set-outs all benefited from this regime, which was bolstered by site quality checks and accurate sign-offs. The strength of his focus on standards is evident from the fact that the scaffold strike date for each elevation was achieved on time.

Highly Commended

• Paul Brown (Morgan Ashurst) for Stanway School, Colchester
• David Greene (Wates Construction) for Sunrise Esher, Surrey
• Leslie Henson (Willmott Dixon Construction) for Castle Rock School, Coalville
• Robert John (Kier South East) for Broadside HQ, Chatham
• Neil Millward (HBG Construction) for Christie Hospital, Manchester
• Jason Powell (Moss Construction) for Forest Oak and Merstone Schools, Birmingham
• Robert Rouse ICIOB (Dean & Dyball Construction) for Sandy Park, Exeter
• Steve Salmon (Cowlin Construction) for Charlton Farm Children’s Hospice, Bristol
• Mike Smith (Kier Southern) for Dogs Trust, Harefield
• David Taylor (Laing O’Rourke) for Long Eaton Health Centre, Nottingham
• Ali Toossi (Verry Construction) for Kaleidoscope Centre, Lewisham