Taking place at one of the UK's most prestigious mixed-use developments, the informative guided tour of the live construction site, was preceded by a CPD accredited presentation, detailing the technology and techniques used to create this genuinely unique space. Offering in-depth insights into using a system build approach, the tour focused on offsite methodologies and maximising the benefits of load-bearing light steel frame technology.
Logistics is a key challenge, as the site is backed by a busy supermarket car park with pedestrian pathways, sandwiched between the busy high street on the other side. Early integration of experts from EOS into the design and engineering teams, supported specification decisions and the development of an advanced offsite manufactured steel framing solution using a hybrid of light steel framing and hot-rolled components.
The EOS Thrubuild® load-bearing system is being deployed as an integrated solution, combining light steel frame, Siniat Weather Defence external sheathing board, and Siniat Frameboard - an internal plasterboard exclusively created for the EOS load-bearing systems. These Thrubuild® systems have been tested and assessed for compliance with the latest building regulations and fire standards to ensure robust and reliable design performance. Following the CPD session, delegates were escorted around the development by the project delivery teams. Attendees also had the opportunity to speak one-to-one with the offsite experts involved in the project.
Brian Alborough, Architect - Richard Hopkinson Architects: "The most impressive aspect of this scheme and the engineering solution delivered is that the original architectural intent has not been compromised - no matter how challenging to achieve. The project has a series of challenging roof details and split levels in order to meet the local planning requirements and it is great to see that the engineering team did not compromise the aesthetic in lieu of an easier design solution on what is a complex project."
Gardiner Place The development is named after Captain Edmund Gardiner, who first conceived the idea of an annual rowing event in 1839, now known as the Royal Regatta which gave Henleyon-Thames international recognition, becoming a major tourist destination and attracting people from all over the world. Gardiner Place is an £11million mixeduse project for Catalyst Capital which is set to achieve new standards in town centre accommodation. Once completed, the scheme will combine luxury living, boutique shopping and fine dining to complement the town's existing mix. The much-needed transformation of the former Market Place Mews will provide a tranquil yet thriving space to meet and socialise,completing the circuit of Henley-onThames' retail offer.
Comprising 14 residential units and 10 retail spaces, Gardiner Place will provide a new commercial, leisure and living destination for Henley-onThames. The two and three-bedroom apartments will be conveniently situated amid a 23,000sq ft retail space, brimming with premium dining and shopping opportunities. The development will also include a surface-level car park that will serve the apartments. Scheduled for completion in February 2020, the Gardiner Place development is under construction by Murphy Group.
Shaun Sheldrake, Murphy's Managing Director of Construction and Property said: "This project is a really interesting mixeduse scheme in the heart of the community. We will be putting retail customers and local residents at the heart of this work and offsite construction will minimise disruption."
Designing with light steel structural systems requires a different approach, especially with the unique characteristics of this project and the hybrid hot and cold-rolled load-bearing steel specification requirements to address the complex load paths through the building. Internal and external walls become fundamental parts of the primary structure, rather than just infill pieces that only carry their own weight and directly applied loads. As a result, fire resistance requirements often increase compared to non-load-bearing steel as each element must be protected for the structures' period of resistance, rather than solely as fire compartments.
Darren Richards, Managing Director - Cogent Consulting: 'We have worked with EOS for nearly 15 years and I have never seen the company shy away from a challenge in all that time! The Henley project could only be delivered by the total integration of the design team and the sharing of expertise throughout the supply-chain. As well as the 'can do' attitude of the project team, it is clear to see that the digital engineering on this project has facilitated the levels of complexity required to deliver the scheme.'
With dedicated in-house design, engineering and estimating teams, EOS ensure that explicit project requirements are delivered and can provide a budget price for feasibility, a detailed engineered solution for a final price submission - including all opportunities for value engineering and cost certainty. EOS guarantee a very competitive pricing structure, with no hidden costs for deflection heads or transport and can provide a lump sum total cost package including ancillary parts, which will not alter, providing the specification remains unchanged. The collaboration demonstrated by the delivery team on the Gardiner Place project is clear to see. Every detail of the building has been analysed and value engineered to take in to account the complex logistics and build sequence constraints, meaning that unique engineering solutions have been developed to meet the bespoke project performance and main contractor programme requirements.
Mark Appleyard, Project Manager - Kier Construction "The logistical constraints of this project are clearly one of its biggest challenges and it is clear to see that the delivery scheduling, labelling and pre-kitting protocols employed by EOS on this scheme have played a major part in helping the main contractor to operate under such challenging conditions. It is great to see such a well-integrated operation and a clean, tidy, safe and wellmanaged site."
About EOS As specialists with over 14 years' experience in the manufacture of steel framing systems for offsite markets, EOS offers a comprehensive range of services from pre-contract solutions and value engineering to design and structural calculations. By combining strength, durability and precision engineering, the EOS portfolio offers broad parameters to explore innovative solutions and optimise value engineering. As experts in offsite design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA) approaches, EOS have been actively involved in a range of privately and publicly funded research and technology development projects.
For more information on innovative products and extensive services go to: www.eos-facades.co.uk
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