Requirements
The Arecleoch Wind Farm Extension comprises 13 onshore wind turbines, each with a tip height of up to 200 metres, delivering a combined generating capacity of approximately 72.8 MW. Located on the National Forest Estate southwest of Barrhill in South Ayrshire, the extension adjoins the existing Arecleoch Wind Farm.
To support the operation of the new turbines, a purpose-built control building was required to provide the infrastructure needed for monitoring and controlling the wind farm. Delivering a specialist control building within an operational wind farm environment required careful planning, effective coordination, and a clear understanding of the technical requirements associated with renewable energy infrastructure.
Our Approach
Farrans Construction appointed Nairn Construction Ltd to deliver the construction of the new Arecleoch windfarm control building, working as subcontractor for the building works after Farrans had completed the enabling works.
Nairn Construction managed all associated subcontractors throughout the project. Co-ordinating multiple trades to keep the works aligned with the programme and quality requirements. Because of our experience delivering similar facilities across the renewable energy sector, the team also contributed a number of value engineering solutions. Practical recommendations that helped optimise construction methods and improve efficiency while maintaining the required performance and quality standards.
THE KEY WORKS CARRIED OUT BY NAIRN CONSTRUCTION ON THE ARECLEOCH WINDFARM CONTROL BUILDING WERE AS FOLLOWS:-
- Excavations to formation level for the control building’s HV and SCADA room basement, at 2.8m below finished floor level.
- Perimeter and outlet drainage for the basement, including installation of Solco bentonite carpet and insulation to the basement slab
- Reinforced concrete floor slabs and retaining walls, strip foundations and blockwork substructure works.
- Under-slab drainage, cable service ducts and Roxtec sleeves, followed by polished concrete floors.
- Blockwork cavity superstructure works, with raised access flooring, anti-slip resin floor and vinyl floor coverings.
- Structural steel portal frame, HV basement steel deck and external roof cladding, along with GRP flooring, HV basement staircase and GRP escape ladders.
- Gyp rail system, plasterboard and 60-minute rated fire corridor ceiling, taped and filled throughout.
- First and second fix plumbing and joinery, including internal fire doors and external fire escape doors
- Internal decoration works and external render.
- Construction of concrete footpaths, a disabled parking bay and general parking bays.
- Installation of a rainwater harvesting system, firefighter tanks, and a septic tank system with associated manholes and soakaways.
- Installation of external ducting, earth matting and deep drainage.
Results
The completed control building provides future maintenance engineers with the office space and welfare facilities. Needed to monitor and maintain the controls for the new onshore turbines, forming the essential operational hub for the 13-turbine extension.
Through effective project management, collaborative working and the application of proven construction expertise, Nairn Construction contributed to the successful delivery of a key component of this significant renewable energy development.
On Budget
On Time
Carried out Safely
Happy Client
Testimonial:
“It was a pleasure working with Nairn Construction on this project. We found the team professional, approachable and committed to delivering a quality end product.
Communication throughout the works was good, and your team worked collaboratively with all parties to overcome challenges as they arose. Health and safety standards were maintained to a high level throughout the project, and the finished works were completed to a good standard.
We particularly valued the design input provided by your team during the construction phase. The practical knowledge and experience brought to the project added real value and helped improve elements of the final solution.
In hindsight, we feel there would have been even greater benefit in involving Nairn Construction during the pre-construction stage. Earlier engagement would have allowed your team’s experience and design expertise to influence the development of the scheme from the outset, potentially leading to a more efficient design and an even better overall outcome for the client.
Overall, our experience of working with Nairn Construction was positive and we would be happy to work with the team again on future projects.”
~ Senior Engineer, Farrans Construction Ltd
Gallery
