A steel framed structure with wide column-free spaces and large cantilever overhang.

To provide a state-of-the-art training facility and office space for the client, Eckersley O’Callaghan designed a long span steel and concrete composite frame. This resulted in a 12m wide column free space to accommodate practical education and testing areas.

Using a lightweight composite metal deck slab meant the overall weight of the building was kept to a minimum, minimising the steelwork tonnage and loads on foundations. Integration of the services through openings in the steel beams also meant that the floor depth could be minimised.

The striking architecture, evoking the form of stacked boxes, was realized by the top storey cantilevering five metres at the front of the building using a storey deep steel truss. Poor ground conditions were identified at an early stage in the project and so a suspended slab supported by bored piles was designed to carry the vertical loads from the superstructure.

Working closely with the architect and contractor we were able to drive efficiency throughout the structural design to enable cost savings and bring the project within budget whilst delivering the requirements of the client for the future use of the building.

Location
Kent, UK

Client
Knauf

Architect
Allford Hall Monaghan Morris