Aparthotel, Cambridge
Rationalising the structural and geotechnical design
We are working on scheme review and project delivery of a 162-key aparthotel project in Cambridge that already has planning approval. Our engineers are designing more-efficient geotechnical and structural solutions.
Our client is the contractor, Henry Construction, which is undertaking the design and build project for TLC Group.
Although the project is a straightforward concrete frame building, with brick and precast concrete cladding, we have been able to reduce the construction cost through rationalisation of floor slab thicknesses and a significant reduction in the specified reinforcement in the columns — eliminating over-design. This was achieved through examination of the relative concrete versus reinforcement costs.
The biggest impact we have made on project cost has come through the re-engineering of the foundations. Originally designed with over 250 piles, the basement has been re-engineered as a groundbearing solution using concrete strip footings with heave void formers in between.
Situated above the car parking and plant areas in the basement are a central podium courtyard, and a complex of hotel rooms and serviced apartments. The building includes a leisure facility, with a swimming pool at ground floor level.
