18 CASE STUDY
building that we feel represents a real step-change in quality for Wembley.” While the team developed its plans for the site, Hub Group also provided space for local charities, community groups and start-ups within the old office building to help “breathe new life” into the High Road.
CAREFULLY CONSIDERED
PUBLIC REALM WAS “REALLY LACKING IN THE HEART OF WEMBLEY,” SAYS DAMIEN SHARKEY OF THE PROJECT’S DEVELOPER, HUB GROUP
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In order to ensure success, Sharkey tells me that the build process was “carefully considered” from the outset, with sustain- ability approached holistically throughout the development, from passive design measures to the specification of highly efficient LED light fittings and low water use sanitaryware, and the implementation of a 110 kWe CHP engine for connection to a district heating network in the future. While the process has reportedly progressed rapidly, there were of course challenges, largely presented by the site, says the developer: “Our contractor, Henry Construction, had to overcome the challenge of working on a very confined site, and right next to the railway track. We also had to find clever solutions to some technically challenging bespoke design features.”
One example of the latter is the corner junctions created by the various obtuse facades of the building, for which uniquely shaped bricks were formed by cutting and bonding standard bricks. One of the elements that most aided these challenges, he tells me, was the use of Building Information Modelling
(BIM) to digitalise the scheme, the entire project team able then to work off of one model.
As such, BIM modelling was used to closely coordinate all aspects of the design and test decisions. The project team also utilised specialised ‘real-time’ rendering software to visualise and interrogate the designs during meetings.
Sharkey says this approach was “partic- ularly helpful” in establishing day-to-day functional solutions and ensuring that all users of the building would gain “the best possible experience.”
REVOLUTIONARY
The model now having being fully realised in the flesh, the building is now being operated by Realstar (under its ‘UNCLE’ brand). UNCLE Wembley, as the development is now known, is already welcoming tenants.
Despite launching during the pandemic, it has proven very popular, and, according to Sharkey, it has already “revolutionised the standard of mid-market homes available” in the area, he says. “We hope this will encourage the construction of many more good quality places to live,” he continues, noting that Hub themselves are delivering a further 256 homes currently at Wembley Link. “Our wish is that the mixture of new public space, improved streetscape, texture-rich elevations, and high-quality homes remain a much-loved part of the neighbourhood for many years to come,” concludes the developer. g
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