How NBS Chorus helped Ryder Architecture to deliver an ambitious office project

Designed by Ryder Architecture, the new Grade A flexible office space at Bank House in Newcastle upon Tyne is an outstanding example of how digital technologies are helping architects work more collaboratively, delivering safer and more efficient design processes.

The Bank House site marks the southern end of Pilgrim Street, a landmark arrival point when approaching the city from the south across the Tyne Bridge. It is the first phase of an important regeneration project to redevelop the wider Pilgrim Street area of Newcastle.

A massive undertaking, the development is 63-metres tall, and has a huge glass and concrete façade comprising more than 860 pre-cast panels. With high expectations to deliver a diverse and ambitious scope of work, Ryder Architecture turned to long-time collaborator and fellow Newcastle-founded firm, NBS. An NBS customer since the early 90’s, Ryder was also the first to produce a specification using cloud-based platform NBS Chorus.

The specification platform provided Ryder with a new level of collaboration, enabling the team to develop their specifications in the office, on-site, and even with team members working remotely. The ambitious project also required close collaboration between Ryder, principal contractor Bowmer + Kirkland, structural civil engineer Cundall, and façade engineer Arup. Through Ryder’s Chorus seat, the team was able to work collaboratively with the contractor and others to develop the specification.

“With NBS Chorus, because it is a cloud-based system, consultants and even people working from home from the same specification can play a part in its development.”

The data-driven framework of Chorus allowed Ryder to rapidly specify building components and materials while integrating them into other data, helping the team to deliver more efficiently and cost effectively for their client. The use of cloud technology meant that they had access to NBS’ extensive information library, with BIM objects loaded in as well as direct links to manufacturer information via its second platform, NBS Source.

"They won’t let people come onto site and fit their own things, everything is double and triple checked. For example, the external hand rails arrived on site with a slight difference to the products that were originally specified, so everything that was ordered was sent away and the right product was then brought to site and installed properly.”

Chorus also has the added benefit of providing the latest standards and regulations, ensuring quality through standardisation and consistency in the specification. It further supports architects with the golden thread of information, providing a key record of everything that has gone into a specification and tightening up safety and design protocols.

“More often than not, if we’re seeing any defects as we’re going around on site, we consult the specification in the first instance to make sure that we have robustly outlined the correct method of working and correct workmanship clauses. If there is a defect, we can pinpoint which area has not been carried out in the right manner.”

NBS Source provides specifiers with the sustainability data they need to make informed, environmentally responsible decisions.

Products on NBS Source can be easily filtered to discover those with third-party certifications such as Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and other sustainability information such as recyclability and country of origin.

“Tenants are demanding net zero now. With the amount of specifications we are getting from potential tenants, we have to respond accordingly to what we have in the building - from embodied carbon to the use of fossil fuels.”

Find out more

Find out more about NBS Chorus and NBS Source and discover how the platforms work together to streamline project workflows, enhance collaboration, and ensure compliance with the latest industry standards.

Book a demo