In the summer of 2008, Mecanoo Architecten could only have dreamed of the position that they now find themselves in. Back then, they were up against a stellar list of some of Europe’s finest signature architects for the new Library of Birmingham design competition. Without any previous experience of working in the UK, the odds were stacked against the outfit based in the sleepy Dutch town of Delft.

For many years, various schemes had tried and failed to get off the ground until Birmingham City Council had breathed new impetus into the development. The brief called for a new library alongside enhancements to the existing Repertory Theatre to replace the existing Birmingham Central Library, which had developed a love/hate relationship with its users since its opening in 1974.

Fast forward to the summer of 2011 and the picture is very different. The Dutch practise successfully bagged first prize in the design contest and have gone on to deliver a first class design. Construction on the new Library of Birmingham is well underway with completion on track for the summer of 2013. Initial feedback on the Mecanoo design has been very positive. The development and regeneration of the Centenary Square area of Birmingham is symbolised through the exciting and innovative façade system.

The first panel of the delicate metal filigree which will wrap around the glazed interior glazing system is currently being installed on site.

The design of the library’s exterior pays homage to Birmingham’s proud industrial past. The viaducts, gasometers and industrial heritage of the West Country were the inspiration behind the challenge of creating a public space that feels modern yet sits comfortably in an existing public space.

Various factors have contributed to the impact of the unique façade system. Behind the vision of the architect sits the co-ordinated input of the project team, the design aspirations clarified through a bespoke specification document and checked through a rigorous testing regime.

With Mecanoo taking responsibility for the appointment of key design disciplines, they were able to bring together a well coordinated and organised design team. Mecanoo were able to take a clear lead in the development of the façade’s design with Buro Happold providing local support and advice. A design manager was also appointed to manage the design process, allowing the designers to focus on their core skills. Likewise, Carillion was appointed early in Stage C to provide ongoing buildability and cost input so that a joined up and holistic approach from all project team members would ultimately benefit the façade’s design.

As the façade design developed from initial concepts at Stage C, a bespoke façade architectural specification was produced iteratively until final issue at tender. Preparation of specification documentation can often be seen as a chore that is often left until late in the design process. However, when it is produced early and in line with the design, it can provide numerous benefits to both designers and client.

Checklist when Preparing a Facades Specification

• Don’t leave preparation until the last week before tender issue. A specification that is developed early alongside the design drawings can assist in the cost management process, advise the client on progress made and inform the other design team members on design intent.
• Avoid the ‘cut and paste’ mentality. It might save you time in using a previous specification with the headers and footers changed but errors and omissions are passed on. Likewise, updates to standards and codes need to be incorporated to reflect current legislation.
• Design responsibilities need to be agreed early. For example, what is the contractor expected to produce as working drawings? Clarifying responsibilities early can avoid abortive work and surprises later.
• Once completed and signed off, don’t leave the specification in the drawer. It should be used to lay out the architect’s aspirations on site and set quality benchmarks.

It can sometimes be too easy to ‘value engineer’ or bypass activities such as preparation of samples, mock-up and prototypes from the final tender documentation. Façade manufacturer’s standard testing documentation can sometimes be seen as enough particularly when standard façade systems are proposed or where savings can be made.

However, it is important to understand the benefits that façade prototype testing allows. These include tweaks and enhancements to the final façade construction to be incorporated in advance prior to final manufacture rather than retrospectively or not at all. The benefits and cost savings of such enhancements often outweigh the cost of the testing itself.

Through the support of Birmingham City Council, a full scale model of a glazed façade panel with metal filigree of the new library underwent a rigorous testing regime off-site under the management of Carillion and guidance of Mecanoo. The façade panel then underwent a rigorous testing regime which included hose testing for watertightness, soft body impact testing for strength and wind resistance testing.

As the first panels are now being installed on site, the project team is looking forward to handing over a truly great public building to the people of Birmingham which will bring both pride and an inspiration for learning.

Project Team: Client – Birmingham City Council Architect – Mecanoo Architecten Design Manager – Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company Engineering and Specialist Design – Buro Happold Architectural Specification Consultant – Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company Planning Consultant – GVA Grimley Project Manager, Quantity Surveyor and CDM-C – Capita Symonds Main Contractor - Carillion