MSN Berkley
“The Microsoft organisation is generally known to anyone who uses computers and this is their prestigious new UK headquarters, responsible for their MSN and Windows Live businesses. Occupying approximately 93,000 sq ft and situated in an impressive new and modern office complex within Cardinal Place Victoria, it is a significant reference site for both Berkeley Projects and CCS Refrigeration.”
“In addition to a comparatively simple cold and deep freeze room installation with remote condensers, we also asked CCS to provide a suitably sized remote unit to run the main server counter supplied by others. CCS undertook this aspect plus the high level containment requirements to allow all of their flow and returns to be installed.”
Andy Arnold – Berkeley Projects are one the leading design and construction companies.
Their work ranges from major corporate and hotel fit outs through to the supply of individual items of equipment
Case Study
Can you tell me about the concept behind MSN?
The Microsoft organisation is generally known to anyone who uses computers and this is their prestigious new UK headquarters, responsible for their MSN and Windows Live businesses. Occupying approximately 93,000 sq ft and situated in an impressive new and modern office complex within Cardinal Place Victoria, it is a significant reference site for both Berkeley Projects and CCS Refrigeration.
So were you responsible for the staff catering site?
Yes – Baxter & Platts have formed an entire division to look after Microsoft’s staff catering requirements throughout the UK, providing a breakfast and lunch service in the main building for over one hundred people. In addition they have provided a hot and cold buffet style hospitality menu for the link bridge attached to the building catering for approximately eighty. Staff can use the relaxed dining room facility as a workplace and at the same time chill out in the coffee area.
“The CCS engineers were both sympathetic and as helpful
as possible in order to rectify the fault despite the fact it
was actually a Sunday.”Andy Arnold
What did the installation involve?
In addition to a comparatively simple cold and deep freeze room installation with remote condensers, we also asked CCS to provide a suitably sized remote unit to run the main server counter supplied by others. CCS undertook this aspect plus the high level containment requirements to allow all of their flow and returns to be installed.
Being such a large site, were there any special circumstances?
The MSN site was not particularly unusual in that the main fit-out contractor controlled all of the MSN floor space but the building landlord controlled all areas where we and CCS had to gain access for both plant and services. This caused all kinds of issues in terms of agreeing runs, permits to access risers, cutting holes through floor grids, positioning plant on the roof etc but CCS worked closely with us to ensure the job was completed successfully.
Did any other problems occur and how did CCS deal
with them?
Despite everyone’s best efforts and an expectant caterer desperately waiting to load the new coldrooms with freshly delivered produce, the out-sourced roof mounted condenser failed at the eleventh hour and could not be repaired. The CCS engineers were both sympathetic and as helpful as possible in order to rectify the fault despite the fact it was actually a Sunday.
“I am certain that the relationship we have with CCS will continue to flourish as a result of the personal touch.”
Andy Arnold
Were you satisfied with the installation overall?
There were one or two minor hiccups as you would expect on any new installation but overall I was very happy with the work carried out by CCS. Not only was the cold storage rooms supplied and installed at a competitive price, but the level of overall service and their ability to pull a few strings when necessary proved to be extremely beneficial.
How long have you worked with CCS?
Up until ten months ago I personally had not had any experience of working with CCS although Berkeley projects have dealt with them for a number of years. I have to say that I have been very impressed with Paul Thomas, his attention to detail, overall knowledge and his willingness to negotiate directly with our clients in order to complete the job.
How would you describe your relationship with CCS?
Paul Thomas has proven to be particularly hands on and I personally happen to like that as it means the constant pressure of demanding clients, often coupled with a difficult site is minimised. I am certain that the relationship we have with CCS will continue to flourish as a result of the personal touch.
What do you expect from a supplier such as CCS?
I would say pretty much what’s already been mentioned – finding suppliers that can be contacted, will resolve problems and most importantly to me, resolve any snagging issues quickly and effectively. CCS provides all these qualities and more which in turn helps Berkley projects to gain customer satisfaction and secure further business.
Have you got any future projects planned with CCS?
Yes – I am currently involved with a major hotel kitchen refurbishment in Central Mayfair which will definitely test any supplier but knowing CCS are involved has re-assured me that we will complete on time.
