SENFI UK LTD, OXFORD

SENFI UK Ltd, Oxford
SENFI UK is a fully-owned subsidiary of SCG, one of the largest integrated petrochemical companies in Asia. In 2017, SCG expanded its connection with Oxford University by siting its first overseas corporate laboratory at Begbroke Science Park in Oxford. Darke & Taylor was placed in charge of this project managing the fit-out of the new laboratory rooms.

Project challenges

FLAGSHIP OVERSEES PROJECT:

This was the first time SCG had ever set up an overseas R&D lab. Furthermore, the prestigious relationship with Oxford University meant this was a very high-profile project for SCG, with no margin for error.

Solution: As experienced M&E (Mechanical & Electrical) project managers, D&T was able to provide real-time updates on the project as well as the reassurance of always having an SMSTS-trained member of D&T staff on-site.

VISIBILITY AND COMMUNICATION:

Being primarily used to working within Asian markets, SCG required constant reassurance that everything was going to plan in the UK.

Solution: 3D plans were constantly updated and made available via an app. This meant they could be viewed by SCG’s management anywhere in the world via a mobile device.

BUSY INFRASTRUCTURE:

The high-tech R&D chemical environment demanded a huge amount of specialist equipment that all had to all be safely installed in the new labs.

Solution: D&T took the initial 2D General Arrangement drawings and using 3D point cloud scanning and REVIT software, developed a 3D model which showed exactly (to the mm) where services needed to be installed.

SUB-CONTRACTOR MANAGEMENT:

The highly complex nature of the installation meant that specialist subcontractors had to be booked months in advance and coordinated with pinpoint accuracy.

Solution: This precise modelling at the outset enabled D&T to coordinate the installation well in advance and avoid any clashes before the specialist sub-contractor installers arrived on site.

Gallery

“Darke & Taylor fully supported this project with excellent interaction with the building management team. The flow of information was first-class, using tools such as Weekly Activity Schedules and a Potential Noisy Works Traffic Light System. All in all, this was a quality project.”

Craig Padfield, Project Manager, SENFI UK

Technical overview

The design, installation and commissioning of two laboratories at this world-class, high-tech research facility required a demanding six-month programme. D&T was the Principal Contractor under CDM and managed the Builder’s Work element of the project.

Whilst the laboratories were relatively small spaces, they were packed with complex building services, specialist equipment and industrial gases. The project also included a roof-mounted mechanical plant deck, life safety systems and an IT network installation.