First however, we had to overcome many challenges to turn the architect’s vision into buildable and award-winning reality.
Our design team led a collaborative pre-construction phase that focused on the impact of wind loads on the panels and fixings, and the dangers of working at height. The result was innovative, pre-fabricated panels with special extrusions that made installation as efficient as possible on the 109m high apartment building.
Main contractor Russell WBHO delivered the £80m project, which was designed by Jon Matthews Architects. Accepting the LABC award on behalf of the whole team, project director Richard Sumner said: “Oxygen was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for everyone involved.
“We not only came together to deliver a stunning new residential neighbourhood, but we did so during unprecedented times. I will always be incredibly proud of the whole project team’s success in keeping the site open and productive throughout two years of Covid and delivering a product which, without compromise, fulfils our client’s vision completely.”
Maple installed more than 2,700 sq m of rainscreen cladding to create a weathertight building envelope, with expanded mesh panels on top providing texture and visual interest.
Oxygen houses 369 one- and two-bedroom apartments, 12 townhouses, a spa with 25m pool, a fully-equipped gym, spin and yoga studio, cinema room, residents’ lounge, basement car parking and a double height reception.
The project will now go forward to the Local Authority Building Control national awards.