14 minute read
Precast Frame for Kingston
PRECAST FRAME
FOR KINGSTON
Kingston University Town house is a stunning six storey mixeduse teaching building that offers a vibrant new face to the University. It is formed with a structural precast concrete frame and has been designed to encourage collaboration and exchange by student and general public users.
The building is formed with a structural precast concrete frame taking the form of a series of interlocking, open-plan volumes enveloped by a façade of colonnades, all with extensive exposed internal and external high quality concrete finishes. Designed by Grafton Architects the BREEAM Excellent rated building used PCE’s HybriDfMA bespoke system that proved to be versatile and successful in achieving the client's high expectations. PCE was appointed as specialist structural frame contractor responsible for the detailed design, manufacture and construction of the circa £8million structural package. A fully co-ordinated building information management (BIM) approach, to BIM Level II protocols was adopted by PCE and the other parties with special emphasis being placed on pursuing a design for manufacture and assembly approach (DfMA) to enable certainty of the hybrid structural component construction. The internal structure of the building provides a threedimensional matrix, one singular complex space, which links the various required uses to one another, while at the same time giving each its own identity and privacy. Externally the façade is made up of an open undercroft colonnade at ground floor to invite public use and activity, above which three cascading terraces form hanging gardens giving a sense of landscape connecting from ground level to the top of the building. PCE’s HybriDfMA expertise using a mix of structural and architectural precast and insitu concrete, together with structural steelwork, enabled the longspan requirements for such an ‘open’ building, some in excess of 15 metres, to be easily accommodated, as well
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as high quality finishes without the requirement for extensive following trades, and incorporation into the structure of an embedded pipework system to provide thermal control of the internal environment using concrete’s thermal storage abilities. The majority of the structure was completely exposed, utilising the exposed concrete soffits and the thermal mass of the building as part of the heating and ventilation strategy along with expressing the majority of the vertical structure as part of the internal finishes. This was complemented externally with a reconstructed stone facade and structural colonnade with exposed walkway slabs and feature stairs. The internal structure was constructed from precast concrete columns and core walls providing the vertical
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structure and stability system, precast concrete beams which linked the columns together to create a frame and to provide support for long span prestressed Double Tee slabs to create the floor plate. Double Tee slabs span up to 16.0m and carry imposed loads up to 20kN/m2 over a central auditorium and a fully height atrium with composite feature stairs spanning up to 15.0m. The colonnade was configured from a series of structural precast concrete columns, precast concrete beams (including planters) and precast concrete walkway slabs which create the external accessible spaces to the colonnade. Rainwater goods, lighting and trace heating services were all embedded within the precast elements.
Key to the concept was the utilisation of the structure and the concrete surfaces as a major part of the architectural intent and finishes. Whilst the structural design is extremely efficient in terms of material usage versus span arrangements and load carrying capability, the use of high quality precast concrete elements to create the concrete superstructure and colonnade has allowed the minimisation of additional finishes and materials to cover the structure and the optimisation of the structures thermal mass as part of the heating and ventilation strategy. Utilisation of hybrid technology and the ability to call on the capacity of a number of different specialist suppliers enabled control of programme, cost and quality. The early access to product to allow quality benchmarking to be agreed with the client and architect provided a surety and a clear understanding of the expectations to be shared across the supply chain. The ability to choose the right product in different situations in order to achieve the desired outcome was key to controlling the budget. The structural frame and colonnade incorporating over 1,900 individual precast concrete units using over 4,500 cubic metres of concrete, and a further 1,000 cubic metres of insitu reinforced concrete was constructed onsite in just a 40 week construction period using two tower cranes and a highly trained multi-disciplinary site workforce of only 25 PCE personnel. High strength concrete was used in the precast concrete columns and
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beams allowing section sizes to optimised which, along with the use of the ribbed Double Tee slab system minimised material usage overall. Sustainability calculations following project completion show that for offsite manufactured precast concrete units, which accounted for over 85% of structural components delivered, the CO2 footprint that was less than 180Kg of CO2/m² for the total building floor area.
The precast hybrid frame strategy removed the need for back propping, formwork and most site reinforcement which significantly reduced vehicle movements to site along with waste reduction. This combined with the exposed concrete resulted in significant reductions in additional finishes like plasterboard, blockwork and partition framing again resulting in significant vehicle movement reductions site waste. Professor Steven Spier, Vice Chancellor of Kingston University commented: “I’m delighted that with Town House, everyone who visits, studies in, and works at Kingston University now has access to a beautiful and inviting space in which to learn, socialise and just be.”
For more information visit:
www.pceltd.co.uk
Images:
01-04. PCE’s HybriDfMA expertise used a mix of structural and architectural precast and insitu concrete, together with structural steelwork. Courtesy PCE Ltd.
CASE STUDY
DESIGNING WITH OPEN SOURCE TOOLS
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New ways of modelling and advances in manufacturing techniques are bringing designers much closer to the fabrication and assembly of buildings. This change is evident at The Gantry, a series of 23 mass custom-built artist studios housed in a truly unusual structure.
The structure is a London Olympic legacy product – a 240m long steel frame previously containing ventilation equipment for the Broadcast Centre studios behind. It was originally slated for removal following the Games. Rather than demolish this striking construction, architects Hawkins Brown saw potential in its ultra-rational grid and opportunities to insert objects onto its enormous decks. Twenty-one individual artist studios in a chequerboard pattern plug into walkways running down the Gantry’s central spine. Over recent decades technology has enabled manufacturing to diversify away from large scale mass standardisation towards a network of small-scale makers.
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These makers use digital tech alongside advanced manufacturing machines to rapidly prototype and customise products in a way not previously possible for small companies and individuals. WikiHouse is an open source design and construction toolkit that harnesses these changes for the building industry. It uses a standardised kit of parts but enables a high degree of customisation in size, shape, openings, cladding and plug + play equipment. With its focus on innovative technology and ability to create varied character, it was a perfect fit for the Gantry artist studios. Hawkins Brown worked with WikiHouse to adapt and innovate the open-source system so that it could better create bespoke, curious studios that reflect the makers, moments, inventions, and irregularities that shaped the local area. We worked together to develop and test a flexible parametric version of WikiHouse. In this design tool a user could easily alter parameters for a building (roof type, footprint, height, door and window locations and sizes, etc) and watch a 3D model regenerate itself live. The construction detail of the WikiHouse system was embedded into this software at concept design stage of the project and later formed the production information. Once Quality Assurance checked we were able to send data, in the form of cutting files, directly to the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines for fabrication offsite. Every joint and detail was embedded into this design model, effectively the entire construction system, and so new cutting files for the wiki-structure could be automatically regenerated, at the push of a button, with each design change. Once fabricated the timber elements were transported to site for assembly. All WikiHouse innovations, including the software, are open source and made publicly available for anybody to use, adapt, and innovate further. Anticipating the artistic activity to come, each studio design embodies ideas of local production and creative thinking. Fully building regulations compliant, highly insulated, and airtight, internally the timber lined studios provide a tranquil, flexible space that artists can configure for their unique craft. The component nature of the WikiHouse system, designed so that each piece could be handled by one person, was such that the offsite fabricated elements could be transported in palettes into the goods lifts and assembled in-situ like building scale jigsaw puzzles. Each unit came with the uniquely coded parts and an Ikea-style guide to assist assembly. For the project brief the WikiHouse system seemed a perfect modular solution but lacked the ability to rapidly switch between unique forms and designs and then instantly produce cutting information. Adapting the WikiHouse toolkit into a parametric design tool enabled this, creating mass customisation across the 21 units and rapid output files for the CNC machines to fabricate. As such the perfect balance between using a single modular offsite solution yet achieving uniqueness and variety between the units was struck.
Broadly the WikiHouse system is an ongoing R&D project. This has seen numerous prototypes developed over the past 10 years that have tested and trialled the design, fabrication, assembly and in-use performance of the system. The hope is that it is ‘hacked’ and improved every time an organisation uses it.
For more information visit: www.hawkinsbrown.com
Images:
01-02. The component nature of the WikiHouse system is designed so that each offsite fabricated element can be assembled in-situ like building scale jigsaw puzzles. Courtesy Hawkins Brown
THE EMPLOYMENT MARKET IS CHANGING
We have seen many lose jobs during COVID-19, often through no fault of their own, says Jim Roach, Managing Director of offsite recruitment specialists, ARV Solutions. However, many more are now on the job market with some really strong people available immediately.
When employers lay-off staff, or there is a threat of it, those most under threat cling on, and those most comfortable often take a choice to move forward with their career elsewhere. This is particularly the case, when they start seeing those laid-off gaining great new jobs elsewhere and realise they could do better for themselves.
Another type of job seeker has sadly come about through lack of support from their employer during COVID-19 (whether real or perceived). We see significant numbers who were not treated or kept informed well, or what information they received was a corporate placebo rather than open and honest communication. There are many who received furlough payments well below full pay, and more who's hard won bonuses and commissions were lost. In many cases this is understandable where businesses have struggled, though when employers quote staff are their most important asset, but can't back it up when things get tough, this no longer rings true. People have had time to think and reflect on life and what is important. Many are taking action to move on from the job they were happy to put up with, despite the security, or the high pay, to get a role that they can love, that challenges or gives increased responsibility or status. Prior to COVID-19 the candidate market was as tight as it has ever been in over 20 years, with people staying put from uncertainty around Brexit and the economy. Those uncertainties have been completely eclipsed in the past few months by the pandemic and therefore hold less fear.
What this also means, is that there are exceptionally strong candidates interested in a good move now, who were simply not approachable prior to the pandemic. It's a cliche but there has never been (in recent years) a better time to hire great talent. Our clients are now getting better shortlists, with closer matching skills, and not necessarily having to pay over the odds to get them.
For more information visit:
www.arvsolutions.co.uk
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If you are interested in learning more about offsite construction and the associated manufacturing processes then the following industry events may be of interest:
27 Jan
23 Mar Structural Timber Awards
Virtual Event
www.structuraltimberawards.co.uk
The 2020 Structural Timber Awards once again received hundreds of entries from companies who are at the forefront of the industry in terms of innovation and expertise. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Structural Timber Awards will be taking place online via a live, Virtual Awards Ceremony. Delegates can now register to take part FOC!
Climate Emergency Conference
Virtual Event
www.climateemergencyconference.co.uk
The UK is leading the world in effecting carbon reductions and has recently pledged to move to a net zero emissions target by 2050. So, the scene is set, and the challenge is clear – the UK needs to dramatically reduce the environmental impact of construction throughout the build process and beyond. The Climate Emergency Conference introduces critical approaches that will enable the industry to meet new construction standards.
11 May Tall Buildings Conference
Venue to be confirmed
www.tallbuildingsconference.co.uk
28 May
21-22 Sep
Tall buildings present unique challenges in terms of both design and construction. Their sheer scale demands that particular attention is paid simultaneously to strategic and detailed issues. The event is intended to assist engineers in understanding the common challenges associated with transferring standard engineering principles and knowledge from low-rise structures to tall buildings.
Offsite Awards Entry Deadline
Online Entry Platform
www.offsiteawards.co.uk
Entering the Offsite Construction Awards is FREE and allows the most innovative achievements in offsite to be upheld by the industry alongside those considered the nation's best. Being shortlisted for the Awards will earn recognition within the offsite and the wider construction industry - opening doors to securing new business development opportunities.
Offsite Expo
Ricoh Arena, Coventry
www.offsite-expo.co.uk
FFSITE EXP
THE largest Offsite-dedicated event in the UK - OFFSITE EXPO - brings together those who are driving change in the construction sector. The event will play host to the leading offsite manufacturers and component suppliers over two days showcasing a broad spectrum of panelised, volumetric modular solutions, pod and prefabricated MEP solutions, as well as the latest in Digital and BIM technology.
RICOH ARENA - COVENTRY
CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION
All event information and schedules correct at the time of going to print - please check relevant websites for latest details.
REGISTER YOUR FOC PLACE TODAY
27.01.2021 VIRTUAL EVENT
Network with over 800 business leaders and high profile decision makers
To book your tickets, visit:
OFFSITE MAGAZINE IS THE MARKET-LEADING PUBLICATION DEDICATED TO THE OFFSITE CONSTRUCTION AND MANUFACTURING ARENA
Some say ‘print media is dead’ but we don’t agree!! Our publications have seen year on year increases in circulation via requested readership and subscriptions – a testament to the quality of the content that we deliver and the targeted nature of our readership.
Across all our offsite platforms, there is a multitude of opportunities to promote your products, people and services to a highly refined and extremely targeted audience.
Bespoke Packages
Our standard advertising options are detailed in our 2021 media pack which is available on request but we work closely with agencies and clients to build bespoke packages and develop fully integrated promotional campaigns through print media and online platforms which are in line with your strategies and budgets.
Don’t have the resource or skill set?
Radar has a team of skilled copywriters and graphic designers with experience in manufacturing environments who can create highly technical content – delivering clear and compelling press articles, adverts, case studies and website content.
Give us a call today to discuss your requirements!
