Back of House Metalwork: A Look Back at Riverlinx
- Mar 12
- 3 min read
When people think about metalwork in major infrastructure or commercial buildings, attention often goes straight to the architectural features. Yet the elements that truly keep a building functioning day-to-day are often hidden from view. Back of house metalwork plays a critical role in supporting building services, safe access and long-term operational performance.
The Riverlinx project offered a strong example of how this type of work demands careful planning, coordination and practical design thinking from the outset.
Why Back of House Metalwork Matters
Back of house metalwork typically sits within plant rooms, service corridors and operational areas that the public rarely see. Despite being out of sight, these structural and support elements are essential for accommodating mechanical and electrical infrastructure, maintenance access routes and safety systems.
Because these areas are heavily populated with services, delivering back of house metalwork requires close collaboration with mechanical and electrical contractors to ensure that every component can be installed without conflict.
On Riverlinx, this coordination was central to the project’s success.
Coordinating Metalwork with M&E Services
One of the key challenges on complex infrastructure projects is avoiding clashes between structural elements and building services. When multiple trades are working in confined spaces, even small coordination issues can lead to delays or costly site adjustments.
Steel & Glass Solutions worked closely with M&E contractors throughout the project to ensure the installation of back of house metalwork remained completely clash free. By following the project’s BIM strategy, the team was able to coordinate structural elements digitally before installation began.
Using coordinated models allowed the design and engineering teams to identify potential conflicts early and refine the layout before materials arrived on site. This proactive approach significantly reduced the risk of disruption during installation.
Bringing the Installation Team into the Design Phase
One of the most valuable lessons from the Riverlinx project was the importance of involving the installation team from the earliest stages of design.
Too often, installation challenges only become apparent once work reaches site. By bringing installers into the design process from the beginning, practical considerations can be addressed early.
For the Riverlinx project, this meant carefully planning how steel components would be delivered to the workface, particularly within restricted operational areas. The team also considered the safest and most efficient way to install heavier materials while maintaining strict adherence to working at height regulations.
This early collaboration helped ensure that back of house metalwork could be installed safely and efficiently, without unexpected challenges once construction was underway.
Supporting Long-Term Building Performance
For facilities teams responsible for managing complex buildings, well-designed back of house infrastructure is essential. Poor coordination or difficult access can create maintenance challenges that persist long after the project has been completed.
By combining BIM coordination, early installation planning and close collaboration with other contractors, the Riverlinx project demonstrates how back of house metalwork can be delivered in a way that supports both construction efficiency and long-term operational performance.
While these elements may never be seen by the public, their importance should never be underestimated. Behind every well-performing building is a network of carefully coordinated structural and service systems working quietly in the background.
And that is exactly where well-executed back of house metalwork proves its value.
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