Big on Bailey Street
Located just an eight-minute walk from both Sheffield Hallam and Sheffield University, the new Bailey Street development boasts a high-end 220-bedroom student accommodation block.
A hub for student activity, the eight-storey Bailey Street development boasts seven different room types incorporating facilities including: ensuite bathrooms, gym, bike storage, laundry room and games room.
Sigmat were appointed by Yorkshire-based developer and contractor Torsion to deliver the light gauge steel frame for the new student accommodation building. Managing the design, manufacture, assembly and installation, Sigmat delivered a complete source-to-site solution, pre-assembling the panels at their in-house Leeds manufacturing facility.
Comprising 8.5km of Sigmat panels, 191 hot rolled steel members and 533m3 of concrete the project was completed two weeks ahead of programme.
Sigmat’s Operations Manager John Ritchie commented: “This is a great example of how offsite processes can really benefit construction on a busy city centre site facing various logistical restrictions. The speed of erection and programme surely demonstrates why light gauge steel is the fast-emerging solution of choice – not just for student accommodation, but also hotel, residential apartment, retirement living/care sectors too.”
The £1.1 million project also included the installation of steel staircases each comprising 12 flights and six half landings. In addition, Sigmat supported the installation of 315 bathroom pods and 367 plasterboard packs, aiding follow-on trades to commence their work early on in the project schedule. Other notable statistics from the project include the installation of 4,600m2 of decking, 32t of reinforcement and the roof structure which incorporated 598m2 and 2.7t of cold rolled steel.
Early planning with Torsion enabled other trades to commence work sooner, facilitating early completion and increasing profitability for the client. Planning for and achieving these goals demonstrates the versatility of the Sigmat light gauge steel frame system, and the important role offsite construction has to play.
Dan Spencer, CEO of Torsion Group, commented on the success of the project, saying: “Engaging with Sigmat early on in the design process allowed us to take full advantage of the offsite manufacturing process, giving certainty in delivery of the frame and allowing us to accurately procure follow-on trades. Sigmat managed their works extremely diligently and handed sections of their works over early. By working in partnership, we were able to take advantage of this as we could plan for the follow-on trades to commence works earlier and take advantage of the great work carried out by Sigmat.”
Bailey Street offers high-end, safe and homely accommodation for both local, national and international students, opening in September 2019 ready for the new intake of students. This was the first Sigmat project with Torsion and the success has strengthened the relationship, with more schemes planned for 2020 and beyond.
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