SYA - All About Youth Centre
Key Project Information
Location
Shrewsbury
Client
SYA
Construction Method
SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels)
Value
£1.2 Million
Duration
41 Weeks
Overview
Replacing a dilapidated timber-framed modular building, the new youth centre for SYA - All About Youth in Shrewsbury is a highly energy-efficient, two-storey MMC facility constructed using SIPS. The £1.2 million headquarters features a training room, an open-plan social and creative area, offices, and toilets as well as kitchens on each floor, providing children and young people with the best opportunities and experiences.
We were directly contacted by SYA All About Youth, a local contractor specialising MMC. The newly established Youth Investment Fund, aimed at improving youth facilities nationwide, was open for bids to develop new or replacement facilities. A crucial criterion for securing this funding was the maximisation of MMC usage and the achievement of high energy performance standards. To support SYA in advancing through the initial stage of the funding process, R1 Construction developed initial concept designs and provided build cost estimates. Following SYA’s successful passage to stage two of the funding round, they appointed an employer’s agent, selecting Shropshire Council’s Property Services Group (PSG) for the role. PSG further developed the plans, obtained planning permission, and wrote a successful funding bid, securing around £1.2 million for the project. A tender exercise was then undertaken, and R1 Construction was awarded the contract to deliver the project.
Words from the client
"Myself and the team at SYA are incredibly proud to open the doors of the fabulous new SYA HQ and Youth Facility to local young people this Summer. The building is bright and fresh and is already being enjoyed by many.
Services for young people have been heavily cut over the years, and to have this state of the art building, especially for them shows that SYA is leading the way in changing futures. We are hugely grateful to the Youth Investment Fund and R1 Construction for helping us to realise our dream."
The project was secured under a JCT Design and Build contract, with the design portion undertaken by our in-house design team. The project required an air permeability result of less than 1m3/h/m2 @ 50kPa, nearing Passivhaus standards. R1 worked collaboratively with the MEP company, PSG’s design technician, mechanical and electrical leads, and the client to develop proposals, hosting multiple design meetings with all stakeholders present. Additionally, there were significant drainage and potential flood risk issues, new main power supplies, and EV chargers requiring input and design from external engineers.
Collaborative working with all stakeholders was essential. A project of this type required far more design collaboration than initially envisaged. Although R1 frequently delivers D&B SIPS projects and is well-versed in planning, designing, developing, and delivering, this project posed additional challenges due to the stringent energy performance requirements. Achieving less than 1m3/h/m2 @ 50kPa in the air test necessitated adopting a liquid vapour control layer. Close collaboration was needed with MEP design and installation to correctly seal and close penetrations, and specialist detailing was required around windows and doors. This building had various material interfaces, such as concrete and timber on the first floor, requiring meticulous planning. The actual time required was underestimated, costing the company significant amounts of money to meet and achieve the performance standards. Ultimately, we achieved 0.75 m3/h/m2 @ 50kPa in the final air test.
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