Case Study

Question 1

What are wood wool slabs

Answer 1

They’re made from mineralised wood. Wood wool is a man-made board material about 50 to 75mm thick comprising shredded timber bound together in a cement paste. softwood shavings (wood wool) that have been coated and bonded with Portland cement and compressed to form low to medium density boards.

Question 2

When were wood wool slabs used in the UK?

Answer 2

1940’s to 1970s they were very commonly used for construction. Wood wool board is a natural panel consisting of long, strong wood fibres which are bonded into panels by cement-binding agent into a compact coherent structure and used as a natural alternative to plasterboard.

Question 3

What did they use wood wool for?

Answer 3

used in a wide range of applications, e.g., thermal insulation, acoustic insulation and indoor decoration.

Question 4

Why are wood wool slabs a deleterious material?

Answer 4

When placing concrete against the wood wool soffit shutters, inadequate compaction of the concrete could occur due to the compressible nature of the board. This lack of compaction resulted in voids and honeycombing on the soffit of the slab sometimes leaving no cover to the reinforcing steel.

Question 5

Do wood wool slabs contain asbestos?

Answer 5

Some of the woodwool or concrete framework were lined with asbestos or installed with asbestos lining materials. These materials included asbestos paper or asbestos cement.

Asbestos investigation including sampling is often recommended to confirm the presence of asbestos.

Question 6

Did you not think when you saw wood wool that asbestos may be present?

Answer 6

Wood wool can contain asbestos but not always. I did think woodwool may contain asbestos however this would be confirmed with the asbestos management pan.

it’s usually chrisotile which is not as harmful as amosite or crocidolite.

Question 7

Why is asbestos bad

Answer 7

Microscopic fibres when ingested / inhaled become lodged in lungs/chest/abdomen and cause diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer , asbestosis

Question 9

What is AIB

Answer 9

Low density board.

Don’t confuse with asbestos cement boards (cement boards are more compressed and have a lower asbestos count)

Commonly used for fire resistance and insulation

Quite friable

Mainly used 50s-80s

Question 10

Why was asbestos used in the past

Answer 10

Strong, heat-resistant, fire retardant, cheap, resistant to water

Question 11

What types of asbestos survey are there

Answer 11

Asbestos management survey
-working document

Question 12

How are high rise concrete buildings constructed

Answer 12

1. Reinforced Concrete Construction:
   Poured-in-Place:
   Concrete is poured directly into formwork on-site, allowing for complex shapes and structural designs.
   Reinforced Concrete Frame:
   Steel reinforcements are embedded within the concrete to increase its tensile strength, making it suitable for both high and low-rise buildings.
   Slipform Construction:
   The core of the building is built well ahead of the slabs, often used for commercial buildings.
   Jumpform Construction:
   The floors are brought up only slightly behind the core, allowing for quicker construction.

Post war Sometimes used No-fines concrete, used in post-war housing, presented issues due to its porous nature, leading to water ingress, damp problems, and potential structural issues like cracking and deterioration, especially if the external render was damaged

Question 13

What partitioning did you use to reduce noise tranmission

Answer 13

Acoustic Plasterboard -Gyproc SoundBloc (higher density core and better acoustic properties
-12.5mm each side
-C studs at 60mm centres
-3 layers of 25mm isover acoustic partition roll in cavity
-To underside of ceiling grid

Plasterboard screws 300mm centres, 2mm centres on corners

Question 14

Timber or steel stud?

Answer 14

Metal Stud Walls:
Pros:

-Lightweight: Metal studs are lighter than timber, making them easier to handle and install.
-Consistency: Metal studs are consistently straight and dimensionally stable,
-Sustainability: Steel is 100% recyclable, making it a sustainable construction material.

Cons:
Cost: Metal studs can be more expensive than timber studs
Thermal Performance: Metal studs can conduct heat, potentially leading to energy loss

Installation: Metal studs require specialized tools and techniques for cutting and fastening, potentially increasing installation time and cost.

Timber Stud Walls:
Pros:
-Cost-Effectiveness
-Ease of Installation: Timber studs are easier to cut, nail, and fasten, requiring less specialized tools and skills.

Thermal Performance: Timber has better thermal insulation properties than metal, helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

Cons:
Durability: Timber studs are susceptible to rot, warping, and insect damage, requiring proper protection and maintenance.

Fire Resistance: Timber is combustible, posing a fire hazard that can be mitigated with fire-resistant treatments.

Weight: Timber studs are heavier than metal studs, making them more difficult to handle and install.

Sustainability: Timber sourcing and processing can raise environmental concerns, depending on the type and origin of the timber.

Question 15

Why are licensed works more expensive

Answer 15

due to stringent safety regulations, specialized training and equipment requirements, and the need for proper disposal procedures

Question 16

I or C studs?

Answer 16

I is stronger an generally use if you’re building BF a higher wall. It means you don’t have to increase width as much

Question 17

Why use a contract from JCT

Answer 17

Using a JCT (Joint Contracts Tribunal) contract in construction projects is beneficial because it provides a standardized, balanced, and well-understood framework, saving time and money, allocating risks fairly, and offering clear dispute resolution mechanisms.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the reasons to use a JCT contract:
1. Standardisation and Efficiency:
JCT contracts are pre-drafted, meaning they don’t require extensive bespoke legal drafting, saving time and costs.
The standard format and language are widely recognized and understood within the construction industry, leading to smoother negotiations and fewer misunderstandings.
2. Risk Allocation:
JCT contracts aim to allocate risks in a fair and balanced way, preventing terms from favoring one party over another.
This clarity helps to avoid disputes and ensures that all parties are aware of their responsibilities and potential liabilities.
3. Dispute Resolution:
JCT contracts include provisions for resolving disputes, often through arbitration or adjudication, which are faster and less costly than court proceedings.
The standard dispute resolution mechanisms provide a clear process for addressing issues that may arise during the project.
4. Clear Roles and Responsibilities:
JCT contracts clearly define the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved in the project, including the employer, contractor, and any other relevant parties.
This clarity helps to ensure that everyone understands their obligations and can work effectively towards the project’s successful completion.
5. Industry Recognition and Trust:
JCT contracts are widely used in the construction industry, both in the public and private sectors, giving them a high level of recognition and trust.
This familiarity can lead to smoother project delivery and fewer unexpected issues.
6. Protection for Employers:
JCT contracts can provide protection for employers against poor workmanship, delays, and other issues that may arise during the project.
By clearly outlining the contractor’s obligations and responsibilities, JCT contracts help to ensure that the employer’s interests are protected.

Question 18

Did you consider using an NEC form

Answer 18

Pros of using NEC contracts:

Clarity: NEC contracts are written in plain English and are easy to understand. This can help to reduce the risk of disputes.

Flexibility: NEC contracts can be adapted to suit the specific needs of a project. This is done by selecting from a range of options and clauses.

Collaborative working: NEC contracts promote collaborative working between clients and contractors. This is achieved through a number of mechanisms, such as regular project meetings and the use of early warning notices.

Effective risk management: NEC contracts have a strong focus on risk management. This helps to ensure that risks are identified and managed effectively.

Global recognition: NEC contracts are recognized internationally. This can make them a good choice for projects that involve overseas parties.

Cons of using NEC contracts:

Complexity: NEC contracts can be complex, and it can take time to learn how to use them effectively. This can make them less attractive to smaller businesses.

Administrative burden: NEC contracts can create an administrative burden, especially for smaller projects. This is due to the need for regular project meetings and the generation of a large amount of documentation.

Limited scope: NEC contracts are not suitable for all types of projects. For example, they are not well-suited to projects that involve a high degree of design risk.

Cost: NEC contracts can be more expensive than other forms of contract. This is due to the need for specialist training and the cost of obtaining professional advice.

Overall, NEC contracts are a good option for many construction projects. They are clear, flexible, and promote collaborative working. However, they can be complex and administratively burdensome, and they are not suitable for all types of projects.

Question 19

What is noise attenuation

Answer 19

Prevention of passage of sound from one space to another.
Ability of a partition to do this is referred to as RSI sound reduction index.

Question 21

How is noise control measured

Answer 21

Partitioning sound ratings measure the sound insulation performance of walls, doors, and other elements within an office space. These ratings are typically expressed in decibels (dB) and indicate the level of sound reduction provided by a partition. Higher dB ratings indicate better sound insulation performance, resulting in reduced sound transmission between spaces.

Question 22

What level of noise insulation did you need

Answer 22

British Standard 5234: 1992: Partitions suggests that the sound insulation performance levels of a general office should be Rw38dB and a private office should be Rw44dB.

Question 23

How to noise insulate the wall more thinking about openings

Answer 23

For example, acoustic mastic to abutments, acoustic foam to tracks, thresholds to doors.

Question 24

Why didn’t you use an acoustic barrier

Question 25

What DB did bagged insulation have

Answer 25

The Noisestopper pads have a sound blocking value of at least 14dB and when installed will give a noticeable reduction in the amount of noise that normally transmits over dividing walls. NoiseStopper Pads are not suitable for fitting directly on top of luminaire units due to excessive heat build-up. As you may know, uncovered luminaire units still allow a proportion of noise through and will reduce the sound stopping efficiency of the NoiseStopper Pads installed over the rest of the ceiling. To compensate for this we have now developed and introduced sound absorbing, intumescent NoiseStopper Luminaire Covers available in both 600 x 600mm and 600 x 1200mm sizes.

Question 27

DB in An office

Answer 27

Typically 45 Db

Question 28

How are partitions measured for noise insulation

Answer 28

Office partition noise insulation is measured using a Sound Reduction Index (SRI), specifically the Weighted Sound Reduction Index (Rw) dB, which is determined in a laboratory setting. The Rw rating indicates how well a partition blocks airborne sound. Higher Rw values mean better sound insulation.

Question 29

Two parameters are used to describe the sound insulation of a partition

Answer 29

Rw (Lab Tested Sound Reduction Index) and Dw (On Site Sound Reduction Index)

Question 30

What part building regs relates to sound

Answer 30

Approved document E, Resistance to the passage of sound,

Question 31

Considerations for the client access areas

Answer 31

Contractor produced a safe method statement Marston concern: contractors work on 110 V but meeting room was 230v

Question 32

How did you ensure the project (hill street) came in on budget ?

Answer 32

Defined Scope and Client Brief: I worked closely with the client to agree a clear and realistic brief early on. I highlighted cost implications of specification choices to avoid scope creep and encouraged value-driven decisions. Design & Procurement Management: I liaised with the design team to ensure proposals aligned with the cost plan. During design reviews, I flagged potential cost risks and advised on value engineering options where needed. We procured via a single-stage competitive tender, which helped fix costs early. Tender Analysis and Contractor Selection: I carried out a detailed tender analysis to ensure returns were compliant and within budget. I advised the client to select a contractor based on both cost and capability, ensuring no hidden costs or unrealistic exclusions. Contract Administration & Cost Monitoring: Post-contract, I managed change control strictly. All variations were priced and approved before implementation. I issued monthly cost reports including forecast final account to keep the client informed and confident of budget position.

Question 33

Examples of the capital and revenue spend at hill street

Answer 33

Examples of Capital Expenditure (Long-term improvements, usually enhancing the value Repainting and redecoration – internal finishes to walls and ceilings Replacement of damaged ceiling tiles – like-for-like repair Minor repairs – patch plastering, minor M&E tweaks Loose furniture – desks, chairs, storage units (not fixed) Examples of Revenue Expenditure (Ongoing maintenance or short-life items not adding capital value) Repainting and redecoration – internal finishes to walls and ceilings Replacement of damaged ceiling tiles – like-for-like repair Minor repairs – patch plastering, minor M&E tweaks Loose furniture – desks, chairs, storage units (not fixed) Deep cleaning or hygiene improvements Consumables and temporary welfare provision

Question 34

How did you ensure compliance with the Building Regulations and the Building Safety Act during the project?

Answer 34

I appointed a Registered Building Control Approver and engaged with them from early design through to completion. I reviewed the layout and specification to ensure it met Approved Documents, particularly Parts B (fire safety), M (access), and L (energy). In terms of the Building Safety Act, while the fit-out didn’t fall under higher-risk criteria, I still supported the Principal Designer in coordinating dutyholder responsibilities and maintained robust record-keeping for accountability and traceability.

Question 35

How did you ensure the project was completed on time for the April staff day?

Answer 35

I worked backward from the April deadline to establish a clear programme, building in lead-in periods, contractor mobilisation, and risk contingencies. Regular site meetings, progress tracking, and prompt resolution of issues helped maintain momentum. I also used early engagement with key trades and phased deliveries to avoid delays. As a result, we achieved practical completion ahead of the event.

Question 36

How did you appoint the interior designer

Answer 36

1. Use a supplier from the LSH supplier management system. This means the consultant has been pre-vetted and has correct insurances. 2. Submitted a services agreement which LSH & interior designer signed. (Includes payment terms, good industry practice, must indemnify LSH against claims, must have insurances) Where LSH can’t secure professional work internally It’s important that others are employed in a responsible and risk managed way M Alice H operates supplier management system. The system verifies that suppliers meet LSH qualification criteria at an on boarding stage and have agreed to the LSH supplier code of conduct. LSH shall only work with specialists who are approved suppliers BEFORE APPOINTING A SUB-CONSULTANT: CHECK -The consultant is included on the approved supplier register - -There are no limitations in respect of consultants insurance cover. CONSULTANTS ARE EXPECTED TO MATCH THE LIMITATION OF LIABILITY THAT LSH HAS CONTRACTED WITH THE CLIENT

Question 37

What are the risks of using a sub consultant

Answer 37

Increases LSH risk as we will potentially become liable for any mistakes this sub consultant makes Under performance of the consultant will reflect badly on LSH If the client defaults in paying us, we will still have to pay the subconsultant ASBESTOS SUB-CONSULTANTS MUST NEVER BE SUB CONSULTANTS TO US. EMPLOYED BY CLIENT DIRECTLY.

Question 38

Why was the JCT suite chosen over other forms like NEC or FIDIC?

Answer 38

The JCT suite was chosen because it is widely recognised as an industry standard for building contracts in the UK, especially for projects of this scale and complexity. It also aligns with the client’s familiarity and administrative preferences, making it easier to manage and understand. While NEC promotes a highly collaborative and flexible approach—ideal for complex or evolving scopes—it introduces a more managerial and procedural framework that requires proactive contract administration, including continuous updating of risk registers and programmes. This would have placed a greater administrative burden on the client and project team, who were less familiar with NEC processes. Moreover, NEC’s payment mechanisms and early warning procedures, while valuable in larger infrastructure projects, were more complex than necessary for the relatively straightforward nature and scale of this project. By contrast, JCT provided a more structured, legally familiar, and administratively manageable route that offered clarity on roles, risk allocation, and procedures for variations—particularly important when dealing with public sector funding and audit requirements.

Question 39

Why do you get less control over design in a Design and Build (D&B) route?

Answer 39

In a Design and Build (D&B) contract, the contractor takes responsibility for both design and construction after receiving the employer’s initial requirements (usually in the form of an Employer’s Requirements document). Because the contractor develops the detailed design, the client has less direct control over how the design evolves once the contract is awarded. This differs from a traditional route (like JCT Standard or Intermediate), where the design team is appointed directly by the client and the contractor builds to the fully developed design. In D&B, the client sets out their needs, but the contractor interprets and completes the design—prioritising efficiency, buildability, and cost-effectiveness, which may differ from the client’s original design intent or aesthetic preferences.

Question 40

What certification/ qualifications did the fire stopping contractor have

Answer 40

BM TRADA - installer Q mark - product

Question 41

What is approved document E

Answer 41

Resistance to sound

Question 42

how do you know if a contractor is licensed

Answer 42

check the HSE register

Question 43

qualifications for asbestos removal

Answer 43

UKATA - UK ASBESTOS AWARENESS TRAINING (a leading authority on asbestos training, a not for profit association established in 2008 ) -awareness course -unlicensed course -licensed course Most common: RSPH Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Removal of Hazardous Waste (Construction) – Licensed Asbestos

Question 44

what db rating did you require.

Answer 44

BS 8233 BS 8233:2014: The Standard for Guidance on sound insulation and noise reduction for buildings. suggests that a good indoor ambient noise level within cellular office spaces should be in the range of 40 to 50 dB LAeq with meeting rooms and executive offices in the range of 35 to 40 dB