News
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.
PCS secures multi million pound order for HMP Grampian
PCS worked closely with Skanska Construction in the tender process, and have secured the order for the precast concrete houseblocks for HMP Grampian on behalf of The Scottish Prison service. The site is near to the current HMP at Peterhead. The total order value of £7m covers the design, manufacture and erection of 3 houseblocks (each one comprises of 4 stories in height and a total of 500 bed accommodations). The PCS/Skanska design also incorporated precast solutions to the Gatehouse and Prisoner Services Buildings.
The PCS design offered a combination of both vertically and flat cast walls between 100mm, and 175 mm thick, with where required windows/ bars, cell door frames cast into the wall panels at our factory. Floor solutions including pre finished solid concrete floor slabs to cell areas (incorporating services cast in for lighting, under floor heating and drainage for shower units), and hollowcore floor slabs to communal areas. The PCS package included also the Precast concrete Stairs, landings and supporting embedded structural steelwork. PCS in conjunction with Skanska put forward an alternative to adopt services designed for precast walls to ensure accuracy on placement, quality of finish and ease of manufacture. The contractor was also offered solutions of Reconstituted Stone block "look alike" sandwich panels (in polished and natural finishes) to resolve possible weather problems encountered in winter working.
The PCS solution incorporated the perimeter walls and Houseblock Number One exercise yard walls, these are "Grey" concrete precast walls, which taper from 450mm thick at the base to 150mm thick at the top of the wall.
The final construction programme entailed the commitment of up to 4 gangs and 4 crawler cranes over a period of 26 weeks. The PCS phase of the project is close to completion and has been extremely successful partnership between PCS and Skanska for custodial supply.
PCS remains one of the UK market leaders in the design and manufacture of precast concrete design solutions for the apartment, hotel, student and custodial accommodation projects.
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.
Cardiff
Precast Structures Ltd have been awarded the design, supply, erection and construction of the precast concrete frame for the new student accommodation project at Adam Street Fire station site in Cardiff. PCS have received the order from Vinci construction after close liaison with the main contractor and architect (Morgan Hayman) at design concept stages.
The project involves the design supply and erection of three blocks varying from three to nine storeys in height which will provide a total of 540 beds. The £3m order will be completed over a total programme of 32 weeks.
PCS design utilised a combination of twin wall panels, (which are half the weight of solid concrete panel sections), solid room sized concrete floor slabs, precast hollowcore floor units and precast concrete staircases combined with lightweight steel external wall infill cassettes in line with the Precast ethos that the best design solution is the combination of the right material for the individual project build. The choice of materials is designed to reduce wet trades and allows a direct application of paint in key areas – i.e. walls and ceilings in the bedroom units. The scheme exhibits all the benefits of using a composite precast solution using a single structural supply.
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.
Sleeperz Hotel, Newcastle upon Tyne
PCS have received the order for the, design, manufacture and erection of the precast frame. The hotel has a total of 98 rooms over 6 floors. The design encompasses a ground floor transfer deck of steel and metaldeck flooring. This design gives the benefits of an open and light reception area, lobby, kitchen and a retail development area. The project combines the benefits of precast hollowcore floors, complete room size solid floors, twinwall, and precast staircases along with lightweight metal framing. This unique combination of prefabricated units will allow lateral restraint, diaphragm action, and progressive collapse design, to be fully integrated in a simple, yet effective design solution. The main contractor, Metnor Construction began on site in September 2010, with PCs starting in February 2011 with a planned 13 week programme. Sleeperz is targeting an opening date of October 2011. PCS have worked in close alliance with the a Archial Architects to carry forward the clients ethos for the Sleeperz concept and design visualisation.
Sleeperz Hotels Chief Executive David Myers described the £7m investment in the company that will help fund the building of the Newcastle project as "a major endorsement in the Sleeperz proposition of compact lifestyle hotels in prime city centre locations offering great value for money." He also added, "There are so many positives in the Sleeperz brand. Not only have we managed to buck the trend in an increasingly challenging market - but in sticking to our ideals of convenience, value and style, are now driving on to growth and expansion. Sleeperz brings something new and exciting to the market and, with the backing of major investors, we are here for the future.
Block Q, Portishead
PCS have recently received the order for the, design, manufacture and erection of the precast frame of Block Q Portishead, from Vinci Construction acting on behalf of Crest Nicholson. This is the second significant project that PCS have worked in conjunction with Stride Treglowan Architects.
As designed the project has an insitu transfer slab at level one, over a ground floor car park. Above this PCS have designed a six storey block with a total of 94 apartments. These apartments are a mix of Private open market and Housing Association. The project combines the benefits of precast hollowcore floors, solid Crosswalls and precast staircases. This combination of; prefabricated units allow lateral restraint, diaphragm action, and progressive collapse design, to be fully integrated in a simple, yet effective design solution. Vinci Contractors begin on site in January 2011, with PCs starting in April with a planned 13 week programme. As can be seen from the architects visualisation drawings, the completed structure will provide a stunning backdrop to the harbour.
This design of a truly magnificent site at Port Marine has been delicately handled to respect the urban grain and diversity of Portishead alongside the urban design and commercial strategy of a high quality, high profile modern development culminating in a master plan of great depth and sustainability.
Ramada Encore Hotel Ipswich
September 2010 was the first anniversary of the popular Ipswich hotel. Precast Concrete Structures Ltd were selected by contractor Volker Fitzpatrick to supply and erect the precast concrete frame for the McGregor Architects designed hotel. The order value was circa £1.2 million and included a solution combining the benefits of high quality finish precast concrete walls, bespoke precast floor units and stairs, combined with a lightweight metal framed external elevations, with an in house designed and installed steel framed transfer at ground floor level.
This enabled the construction of a 3 storey structure with 130 bedrooms at upper floors with a Hub Bar & Restaurant on the ground floor. Once completed the hotel offers the benefits of easy city access and a riverside location.Despite the complexities of the build which had poor access and little spare room on the site - the hotel mostly fitted the footprint of the site- PCS overcame these difficulties and completed the project on time in 11 weeks.
The hotel celebrated the recent anniversary with a beach themed party with local dignitaries including Ipswich Mayor (Jane Chambers), Ipswich Town FC players, along with management from the Ramada chain - Philip Bolton (Regional Manager) and Sebrina Bowman (General manager)
HMP Maidstone
By selecting Precast Concrete as the preferred build solution, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) continues with it’s modernisation programme for prisons and remand accommodation.
Precast Concrete Structures are currently supplying and erecting new catering facilities at HMP Maidstone on behalf of Kier (South East) Ltd.
The project detailing has required intensive co-ordination and liaison to ensure the accuracy required for the casting in of fittings for electrical outlet boxes, conduits, alarm sounders, trunking for catering equipment, dado trunking and call points.
Door and window frames have also been incorporated into the casting process to maintain the high levels of security and robustness required on all MOJ projects. Combined with the quality finishes suitable for direct decoration and application of thin-sheet resin materials for both hygiene and maintenance, this has proved to be the most economic option.
Addenbrookes Hospital
Precast Structures Ltd are pleased to have been the selected sDesign, Supply and Erect contractor for SDC Contractors Ltd on their now completed Key Worker Accomodation located at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge.
David Peacock, Project Director for SDC Builders Ltd, announced that “Precast Structures Ltd approached the project in a professional manner, were responsive and open to discussion on commercial matters, procurement, design, performance on site settlement of the final account.
The choice to use precast concrete has never been in doubt, and (PCS) delivered the scheme on time. The supply chain was excellent “
“The support we received from (PCS) Management was commensurate with (their) understanding of the importance & seriousness with which we treat the project. We have learned some lessons from this project, which we would take forward to future schemes.”
Key Worker Accommodation Contract Secured
Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge has awarded a contract to construct a £28 million key worker housing development for the hospital site to main contractor, SDC Construction.
Precast Concrete Structures has been awarded the contract to design supply and erect the four six-storey buildings which will provide 100 apartments and a total of 292 beds for hospital staff.
The original scheme was based on an insitu concrete design. PCS worked with the Design Team to change the structure to a precast solution to gain considerable programme and finishing benefits.
The PCS design utilises twin wall panels which provide rapid erection times and reduced costs for follow-on trades as they are of sufficiently high quality to accept direct decoration without the need for plastering or dry lining.
The twin wall panels, which are half the weight of solid concrete panel sections, are delivered to site in carefully planned and managed just-in-time process ready to be craned into position. After erection the panels are filled with concrete, which provides the building with its structural integrity.
External brick clad pre-cast concrete panels are used to the balcony edges to maintain the brickwork aesthetic to the external facade treatment.
The development is a mix of en-suite rooms and flats which will have a range of features including brie soleil and balconies, in addition to bicycle storage areas, which is an essential requirement for a development in a city where bicycles are the principal mode of transport.
Erection will commence on site mid-April 2009 with completion October 2009.
PCS Completes MOD Barrack Blocks
As part of the MOD’s wider Project MoDEL works at RAF Northolt, Precast Concrete Structures Ltd have successfully completed the erection of 2 x junior ranks, ‘barrack blocks’ for Norwest Holst Ltd. The project, completed to programme and budget, provides single living accommodation for some 182 airmen and airwomen at this prestigious West London unit.
The development consists of two interlocking, ‘T’ shaped, 3 storey blocks with en-suite accommodation and communal lounge areas on each floor.
The high quality PCS wall panels and floor slabs were manufactured to permit direct decoration, thereby removing the need for following wet trades.
Although the project sits outside the realms of the MOD’s Project SLAM (Single Living Accommodation Modernisation) it has been erected to similar standards and dimensions and has the potential to set the standard for future accommodation requirements at RAF Northolt.
Precast Concrete Structures Ltd have an excellent appreciation of the MOD’s and Defence Estates accommodation needs and with security cleared operatives, are well placed to carry out similar accommodation work across the MOD Estate in the future.
The Hub Achieves Completion
One of the most prominent mixed use development sites in Manchester City Centre is the work of Property Developers, Argent Group, whose scheme is centered around a privately managed piazza, at Piccadilly Place adjacent to Manchester’s Piccadilly Station.
There are 5 buildings in the scheme, 3 office buildings, an hotel and an apartment block which has been named ‘The Hub’.
The Hub is a 10 storey development of 167 apartments, designed by Glenn Howells Architects and constructed by Carillion to the highest specification.
The scheme comprises a 10 storey pre-cast concrete frame, constructed off an insitu concrete transfer frame at first floor level, to provide a number of commercial units at ground floor.
Pre-cast concrete walls are predominantly twin walls with composite panels in architectural concrete for the external elevations.
The design includes some precast columns and beams along with 250mm thick pre-stressed hollow core floors to provide a complete precast solution.
PCS have designed supplied and erected all the precast elements on the project.
As is typical for Precast Structures designs, the wall panels are manufactured in high quality finished concrete which is ready for direct decoration, removing the need for follow-on wet trades.
The apartments, ranging from studios through to 3 bedrooms, all have floor to ceiling glazing which open out onto Juliet balconies or external seating areas.
Precast Project wins RIBA Sterling Award
The Accordia Living development by Countrywide Properties in Cambridge has been awarded the RIBA Stirling Prize for 2008, the UK’s most prestigious architectural award.
Accordia is a modern living housing scheme designed by 3 architectural practices, Feilden Clegg Bradley, Maccreanor Lavington and Alison Brooks Architects and has the distinction of becoming the first residential scheme to receive this award.
The development took place on a brown field site formerly occupied by government offices and prefabricated World War 2 buildings. The prefabrication concept was carried over to the re-development of the site with many components being manufactured off site and contributing to the rapid erection programme which was necessary to achieve the site programme.
The scheme, which incorporates a hybrid combination of precast concrete walls, structural steel and floors supplied and erected by Precast Concrete Structures Ltd, significantly out performs the 2002 Building Regulations due to attention to detailing and potential air leakage locations, whilst the concrete makes a considerable contribution to the thermal mass of the buildings, which achieved a ‘Very Good’ BREEAM rating.
This highly prized award is not the first to be awarded to the development which has already earned a number of other awards including, 2007 Civic Trust Commendation Award for East Anglia, in addition to achieving Housing Design Overall winner and Medium Housebuilder winner in 2006.
Student Accommodation Completed 3 months Early
Brunel University planned to add nearly 1400 student rooms to their Uxbridge campus to cater for growing student numbers.
Following demolition of the disused 1960’s residential buildings on the site Norwest Holst commenced their Design & Build contract to provide the 17 No blocks each 5 stories high.
Precast Concrete Structures Ltd (PCS) worked with Norwest Holst, their contract Architects, Stride Treglown and Structural Engineers, Adams Kara Taylor to develop a hybrid design solution providing the best of the benefits available through combining precast concrete wall and floor units and lightweight steel external wall cassettes to produce a scheme which would optimise programme and costs.
PCS used their expertise and experience to plan just in time deliveries of all the precast and steel materials to maintain the rapid erection programme developed for the project.
The PCS solution utilised twin wall panels. These are basically hollow precast wall panels with a quality finish on both sides which is ready to accept internal decoration without the need for any other trades. In addition the wall panels, which are filled with concrete after erection to form a full structural cross-wall system, are half the weight of a traditional solid wall slab and provide excellent resistant to impact damage in occupation of the building. Additionally the twin wall panels offer good acoustic performance and add to the thermal mass of the building.
The floors were formed from a combination of composite precast RC slabs which were ready for direct decoration and pre-stressed composite slabs for spanning up to 7m. Services were incorporated within the floor slabs during installation.
The PCS erection programme, which included the placing of the bathroom pods and sheathing the light steel framing, commenced in March 2007 and was completed by Christmas the same year some 3 months ahead of schedule.
Interestingly if the study bedrooms were laid end to end they would stretch 5.4km !