BUSINESS IMPERATIVE

The core objective was to offer an aesthetically pleasing solution to an architecturally and culturally sensitive site, whilst providing energy efficient dwellings. The respect of the historical buildings was paramount. Steel framing systems had to be developed which considered the integrity of the existing buildings to enhance rather than detract from the original architecture.

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

Working in partnership with Ardmore, one of the largest family owned construction groups in the UK – EOS designed, manufactured and supplied a range of around 15,000m2 of steel framing system (SFS) infill walling and 280m2 load-bearing steel systems for the project. From SFS infill for five new medium to high-rise concrete framed blocks to a bespoke load-bearing system of internal pods within the listed brewery house, EOS worked in close collaboration with all construction partners to develop systems that meet the exacting project requirements.

CHALLENGES AND RESOLUTIONS

Due to the large scale and complex nature of the project, it was imperative that EOS’s steel framing systems were
designed and supplied ready for easy onsite installation. EOS phased the supply of the SFS to the new builds floor by
floor in line with the build programme. Using their unique complementary service for easy identification saving time
onsite, the material was supplied colour coded by floor, bundled and individually labelled by floor and elevation; issued
with key opening components pre-assembled offsite with all studs pre-cut to size. For the load-bearing pods to
the retained listed buildings, EOS designed and supplied offsite pre-assembled wall and floor panels to form structurally
independent platforms within the converted brewing rooms. These had minimal ties to the existing structure, thereby
avoiding complications with listed consent and potential unforeseen issues associated with an aged building.

POSITIVE OUTCOMES

The site has emerged from the ground on schedule, in part due to maximising the full potential of BIM. BIM Level 2
delivered a rapid manufacturing turn around facilitated by making best use of design for manufacture and assembly
(DfMA) protocols, combined with innovative offsite technologies.

These offsite technologies include the pre-assembly of SFS window components ensuring correct and quick build of
key areas, together with non-standard use of load-bearing pre-assembled panels which enabled the quick installation of
the offsite solution. Achieving tight tolerances, the load-bearing system supported the internal framework in a sensitive
listed building where minimal impact on the pre-existing structure was required.

One of the offsite solutions that offered maximum programme benefits was a range of innovative complete walling solutions.
Developed by Etex Building Performance incorporating the expertise of – Siniat, Promat and EOS – these systems have been developed using the award-winning range of EOS light steel frame and Siniat gypsum boarding.

Etex Building Performance partners, Siniat and Promat, were also asked to develop a full architectural specification for the internal partitions as well as offer their award-winning Weather Defence external sheathing board to the EOS sub frame.

EOS value-engineered every system and component to ensure minimal impact – leading to rapid and cost-efficient construction and minimised intrusion on a sensitive site. All these elements, plus the Siniat Weather Defence board, enabled a very rapid construction of the external facade with follow-on trades starting internally as soon as the envelope became weathertight.