design solutions
“bird-cage” scaffold before the flooring could be laid. One innovative aspect of this project
was the use of 3-D modelling (including virtual reality) to assist the client in understanding the building. Up to Stage 4 the building was designed using Revit and BIM to generate a useful and realistic “virtual” model. The use of 3-D views, interactive panoramic views and VR goggles enabled the design team and client to fully understand the building, and even the location of plug sockets and light switches, before anything was built. The use of VR technology is something which MEB Design is pushing to assist all their education sector and other clients. Bursar David Ramm commented: “The
building looks amazing. We have received so many positive comments.”
www.mebdesign.co.uk www.velux.co.uk
During the detailed design and
construction of this project a number of issues arose that lead to some discussion (sometimes heated) within the design team and some important decisions by the client. One recurring theme (featured in EDB September/October 2018) was about the specification of the main sports hall flooring. Originally specified as a full sprung wooden floor system (arguably the best all round solution from a sporting perspective) this was changed to a vinyl covered, but still timber sprung system. This was not for cost reasons (the vinyl covered floor was actually more expensive) but because of concerns
about maintaining the floor and using it for different (non-sport) functions. Another issue was the large rooflight
over the central concourse area, identified early as a possible “value engineering” target. MEB Design argued the importance of this feature to the quality and usefulness of the internal space; and with a slightly reduced area and some competitive quotes from Velux it was saved from the dreaded “value engineering”. As everyone stood around with drinks in their hands at the opening ceremony, under the rooflight with sunlight streaming through, it was agreed that this has been a very good decision! Two other interesting design and
material choices lead to some on-site challenges for the main contractor, Benfield and Loxley. Externally, the use of large reconstituted stone columns and bands has already been mentioned above. These were supplied by Ilam Stone who provided considerable design input and advice. Supplied to site in sections, all wrapped and numbered, and with a sophisticated structural engineering system to tie them back, every last piece of stone (over 1,250 pieces and weighing 4.8 tonnes) was positioned on site by the same mason! Another feat was the installation of the “hit and miss” timber battens to the inside of the sports hall roof. This system was designed as part of the acoustic solution, as well as to give a warmer and less-industrial look and feel, which also referenced the timber ceiling of the original school hall. In the end, over six miles of battens were fitted from a
26
educationdab.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47
