GRIDSERVE UK

Brief

Provide a building to sit alongside a GRIDSERVE Electric Forecourt ® vehicle charging centre at Knebworth Estate, Stevenage just off the A1 – which was identified as a critical location for volume electric car users.

Requirements

GRIDSERVE wanted an eye-catching and modern-looking building which reflected its image as a forward-thinking and innovative company. It not only needed to be of attractive design, but also have a practical functional application as it would not only house a manned coffee outlet run independently by a well-known company, but an advanced unmanned supermarket too. 

The building would play an important role on a site which would offer ample space for drivers to charge their electric vehicles, and while this is happening offer them a chance to relax over a coffee and/or buy groceries in a clean, safe and modern environment.

Solution

The structure created for GRIDSERVE is based on Algeco’s IBEX modular unit and built at its Carnaby factory. However this is the first of its type for any client with all four sides being curved. This was a challenge as it tested the tolerance of the steel used, before Algeco experts found a solution to ensure it was as strong as the rest of the structure.

Curving the hot-rolled frames meant the metal reached temperatures exceeding 500 degrees in the process. The external cladding also had to be millimetre perfect to achieve the desired aesthetics.

Results/outcome

The ground floor of the building has 4,247 sq. ft. of space and features a grocery retail outlet and coffee shop. Level two of the building, with 4,236 sq. ft. of space contains an EV experience area and airport-style lounge.

On the site as a whole there’s space for 30 vehicles at individual EV charging bays, including 24 high-power bays with up to 360kW of power including two accessible spaces and two parent-and-child spaces.

Customer feedback

Gareth Wilkinson, Sector Lead Director for Electric Forecourts® said: “Algeco provided building structure using offsite manufacturing facilities in conjunction with the wider build project at our Stevenage electric forecourt. 

“This is the second time GRIDSERVE has procured a modular building but the first time using Algeco. Whilst we continue to develop our customer proposition, we need our supply chain to remain flexible and sympathetic to our design journey and Algeco was very accommodating, clearly understanding the need for a pragmatic approach. 

“The building was delivered to site and handed over on time to match our programme aspirations and they have contributed to the successful launch.”