The BENEFITS of a combined Precast Concrete Grey Structure and an Architectural Precast Concrete Cladding solution for multi storey construction can include:
- Significantly reduced construction programme by combining the erection programme of the structural frame and the architectural cladding as one package.
- Eliminating the interface between frame and cladding contractor – therefore, one stop point of responsibility and removal of conflicts of interest.
- The possibility of removing external scaffold or projecting table forms required– all erection can be carried out safely from within the floor plate. Permanent edge protection to perimeter of slab for following trades
- Reduction of wet trades requirements.
- No secondary steel work necessary to support associated glazing and curtain walling.
- Improved Thermal mass and efficiency with no cold bridge.
- Enhanced acoustic performance
- Vapour barriers, air seals, fixings, are more easily checked from within the building
- Reduced site labour and as a consequence less welfare facilities etc required.
- Significantly reduced site traffic
- No site storage required
- 'Just in time' deliveries
- No packaging to recycle or dispose of, so minimal site waste
PCS secures the order for a prestigious equestrian facility
PCS have now completed the contract from Kingerlee Construction (Oxford) to design, supply and erect a series of new facilities for a prestigious equestrian facility in Oxford. The million pound contract involved three identical buildings comprising of brick clad gable walls, brick clad precast concrete piers, flint clad concrete wall panels, Twinwall interior walls, hollowcore flooring and associated steel columns and beams. The contract had an aggressive short build programme and was completed in a very short nine weeks. PCS worked closely with the design team (ADP Architects and Elliott Wood) over a period of two years prior to commencement on site.
Rochester
PCS have recently received the order from BAM Construction for the new school redevelopment at the Bishop of Rochester Academy. The project requires the construction of four new buildings on the current school site. With the use of multiple gangs and cranes, PCS have achieved a total build programme of just 13 weeks for all four buildings. The £3.3m project involves the design, supply and erection of a combination of precast concrete products. The design includes precast walls, columns and Delta Beams, precast staircases, hollowcore flooring and an external facade which comprises brickwork faced load bearing composite panels. PCS and our partners Thorp Precast have worked in close liaison with the architects (Nicholas Hare LLP) to develop and enhance the buildings merits and value engineer the programme. --- Visualisations by: Virtual Planit.
Cambridge
PCS continues with another successful year having recently secured an order from Willmott Dixon Housing (Shefford), in association with Glen Howells Architects (Birmingham) for their new site at Parkside Place, Cambridge. The development comprises of four new apartment buildings, varying from three to eight storeys in height, PCS have designed a precast concrete frame solution utilising a combination of twin wall, load bearing internal precast walls, hollowcore flooring and precast staircases. The structural package also includes an architectural precast facade of composite panels comprising of an inner skin of precast, insulation layer and an outer skin of Portland Buff colour acid etched concrete.
The project is a re development of the old fire station site, the new build includes a new replacement facility, and continues the local area redevelopment plan. This £4m order for PCS will be complete in a programme over 25 weeks and continues our recent success in social housing and education markets, expanding our success in the core areas of hotels and student accommodation for which we are renowned.
BSF Schools for the Future - Crown Woods School
PCS have been successful in the competitive bid for the design, manufacture and erection of the architectural precast concrete features of the project at Crown woods School, Greenwich. Balfour Beatty were awarded the £100 million Greenwich Schools Building Schools for the Future (BSF) construction partner contract by VT Group. The Greenwich BSF contract is a design and build contract for two schools, Thomas Tallis and Crown Woods, the latter is a 1,800 pupil secondary school to be split into three colleges, two for mixed ability pupils and one for gifted and talented pupils, occupation of Crown Wood is expected in April 2011.
The building of the new College has progressed extremely well and Balfour Beatty has reported that the construction is 3 weeks ahead of schedule. There are nine separate buildings on the site, all at an advanced stage of construction.
PCS are supplying and erecting 50 precast canopy units, each weighing 9.3 tonnes, along with 116 precast columns supporting these units. All are special units cast in white concrete, then acid etched to providing a contrast to the new nine buildings. Erection is complicated by access being limited to the rear of the buildings only, thus requiring the needs of a 200 tonne crane to facilitate lifting of the precast over the now complete three storey structures. The project required a complete design, manufacture and erection of key architectural features. The project had a tight tender period and also a very quick turnaround from order to delivery on site - this was achieved within ten weeks.
Please take a look at our Case Study: Budenberg Haus
