Page 22 - SISK NEWS JULY 2015
P. 22
Spotlight on...
Ange Francis
In May this year Ange Francis, Sisk’s Façade Manager, featured
in Architects’ Journal’s article entitled ‘Solarlux Roundtable’.
Ange taking part in the panel debate. I spend a huge and inordinate amount of time trying
not to burst clients’ or architects’ bubbles, but end
It focused on discussions at a recent panel debate up having to make an awful lot of compromises.
on high-performance glazing specification. Here are Achieving a building’s intended performance often
some of the highlights of that article, it can be read becomes more difficult when cost reductions at
in full by visiting later stages see envelope packages divided between
www.architectsjournal.co.uk. cheaper subcontractors, We can bring the cost of a
building down, but we have to bring in subcontractors
‘The panel identified key aims as: improving who don’t have the knowledge to produce thermal
confidence in the abilities of specialist and approved and acoustic calculations … There are simply too many
subcontractors; providing holistic specifications people out there within the façade industry that really
covering the entire building envelope; and supplying a just haven’t got a clue what they’re doing.’
finer grain of performance data – extending to individual
components. Its other principal recommendations were Adam West of CZWG explained how Sisk’s early
to communicate materials’ technical information in a involvement on Rathbone Market – where the recession
clear and upfront way, boost the transparency of test meant design had to start again from scratch after
data, and provide longer warranties. tendering – helped control costs while maintaining
performance.
Top of the panel’s recommendations was a new
culture of early-stage collaboration between architects, Looking ahead, the panellists agreed closer
manufacturers and contractors to ensure specifications relationships between all parties could deliver the
are robustly costed and can be delivered as intended greatest boost to building performance and cost
later on. This would reduce the need for cost savings control.’
at later stages where the appointment of cheaper
and less-knowledgeable subcontractors can risk A word from Ange...
compromising the building’s overall appearance and
performance. Taking part in these type of forums
is incredibly important! It’s clear we
Despite the new focus on early-stage collaboration, need to reduce the amount of over
there nevertheless remain major risks – particularly specifying that goes on in the industry.
concerning cost overruns – when a project goes out to There’s a great deal of ‘copying and
tender. Ange Francis explained: ‘It’s almost like we’re pasting’ rather than looking at the individual
selling a dream, but all of this performance means project and the client’s needs. These super-
nothing when your client can’t afford it. performing buildings that everyone wants cannot
be built because the majority of the clients do not
have the budget. Therefore we as contractors run
round in circles trying to get the performance, but
at what cost?
If you’ve been involved in a debate or
roundtable event then tell us about it. Email
Robin Herron on robinherron@sisk.co.uk
22 Sisk News | July 2015
