Uncovering opportunities below
Following extensive ground condition studies, we identified a risk of differential movement – where elements like floors, walls and foundations shift at different rates. If not addressed in the design, this can compromise structural integrity and increase maintenance costs.
To overcome this, our geotechnical specialists uncovered an opportunity to use 450mm-wide Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) piles – each driven 23 metres deep across the site. These are a specific type of pile that can go deep into the ground, helping to reinforce and stabilise the weight of buildings – while minimising embodied carbon and optimising costs.
Additionally, our experts conducted further site studies and discovered that suspended ground floor slabs could be almost entirely removed from the design and replaced with a thinner, lower-carbon ground-bearing slabs.
Creating a future-proofed facility
The centre’s vision not only encompasses healthcare ambitions but also targets excellence in sustainability, with the site targeting a DREAM ‘Excellent’ rating.
In addition to limiting carbon in the structure, our team worked closely with the project team to install green roofs and solar panels, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) to manage any potential flooding and minimise environmental impact. Our heritage experts also conducted detailed heritage assessments to help mitigate any damage to nearby listed buildings.
Want to find out more about our solutions for the defence and security sector? Get in touch with our experts today.
Images are courtesy of BDP and Virtual Planit.
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