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The Optic Project

OpTIC (Opto-electronics Technology and Incubation Centre ) was established as a £16m showpiece project to provide incubation facilities for new, high technology businesses, to generate new jobs, facilitate the development of new products and to provide backup technology and business support. 

LMR installed the full zinc façade and also large areas of external and internal cedar boarding. The construction included full wall construction direct from the main steel structure. This included full vapour control layer, bracket and rail build up, thermal insulation. A marine grade 18mm thick plywood was used as a base for the pre weathered zinc. The cedar boarding was applied on to treated timber counter battens. 

Due to the design brief from the client of his attempt to ensure the building is exemplary in terms of sustainability and environmentally friendly, all materials used were sourced from a sustainable source and were fully recyclable 

The 'Green Guide to Specification' was used as a base in the design, compilation, combination and choice of materials. At the design stage consideration was given to off-site fabrication of components and assemblies to increase quality and to reduce waste. Longworth have since used some procedures developed for this project to further enhance their pre-fabrication techniques. 

This project appears on the Constructing Excellence website as a demonstration project and Longworth remain immensely proud of their involvement in its success.

Architect Percy Thomas Partnership
Main Contractor Shepherd Construction Ltd
Project Value £500K