The Catalyst at Newcastle Helix
Project Overview
Rainton Construction was appointed to undertake civil engineering and groundworks, collaborating with the architect and main contractor to support the delivery of a £50m project in Newcastle’s city centre.
The Catalyst is an award-winning building and forms part of Newcastle University’s Helix development, one of Europe’s most exciting innovation hubs.
Scope of Works
The scope of works was as follows:
- Drainage
- Tubosider pipework and attenuation
- Pile cropping
- RC pile caps and foundations
- RC Retaining walls
- Ground floor slabs
- Installation of waterproof tanking and gas membrane system
- Hard landscaping
- Installation of street furniture
Challenges
Due to the city centre location, all deliveries were managed and brought to the site ‘just in time’. Careful coordination to minimise deliveries significantly decreased traffic movements and noise and reduced the project’s carbon footprint.
Sustainability
The Catalyst has set the standard for sustainability in the region. The project incorporates an interlinked rain garden for surface water as part of an integrated urban drainage solution and other pipe storage attenuation. The rain garden incorporated naturally oxidising Corten, which provided a contemporary, sustainable design.
The extensive green roof encourages wildflower growth and provides a habitat for insects. Other sustainable technologies include a central air handling plant and photovoltaic panels, which generate up to 27,000kWh of electricity annually.
The holistic approach to fabric, services, and building management has resulted in an impressive 87.2% score and BREEAM Outstanding rating—only one of two commercial buildings outside London to have done so.
Summary
With an extensive set of client requirements, the project required a joined-up approach between the design and construction team and the client’s stakeholders. Harnessing proactivity and teamwork, the project was completed six weeks ahead of the programme and £7m under budget. The partnership was recognised at the Construction Excellence North East Awards 2020, and the scheme won in three categories.
We are proud to have helped deliver world-class facilities, combining cutting-edge architecture with new public spaces, creating a supportive environment for businesses to catalyse world-changing ideas.
