PLAISANT PLACE IS THE CULMINATION OF THE COLLABORATION OF STEEL FRAMING EXPERTS, HADLEY GROUP, SOCIAL HOUSING SPECIALIST ANDIUM HOMES, LOCAL JERSEY CONSTRUCTION FIRM NORMANS, PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR ROK AND PAGE ARCHITECTS. THIS INCREDIBLE SCHEME BOASTS 21 APARTMENTS AND A GROUND FLOOR DEVELOPMENT TAILORED SPECIFICALLY FOR AGE CONCERN’S NEW HEADQUARTERS ON THE ISLAND.
The project has provided a wealth of benefits to Jersey, developing new skills locally, proving the advantages of steel frame construction and replacing a dated but essential community facility.
“The space in our building was no longer fit for purpose, as the facilities were spread out over three floors, with far too many stairs, slopes and a temperamental lift – none of which are conducive to offering a wide range of activities for older people,” said Paul Simmond, Senior Manager for Age Concern.
Plaisant Place was designed by Page Architects to offer maximum flexibility, allowing Age Concern to host a variety of events all on one level to increase accessibility. A large function room will hold dances, classes, and a multitude of social activities, with events designed to promote mental and physical health held in two additional rooms.
Alongside delivering a new headquarters for Age Concern in Jersey, the project provided local construction firm Normans with an opportunity to develop a new skill set which they can take forward on the island. Steve Chesters, Commercial Director at Hadley Group explained: “We are really keen to work with Island businesses to develop their team’s skill sets so that future builds can be carried out by an entirely local workforce.”
The Hadley Steel Framing team worked closely with the assembly personnel from local firm Normans to support construction of the 401 panels and roof cassettes. “It’s a really innovative and high-speed construction method and one which is a game-changer for the Island,” explained Simon Chard, Managing Director of Normans.
Principal contractor ROK, were equally as excited by the potential of the collaboration “We are always looking for new, innovative and forward-thinking building processes so we really valued the opportunity to work closely with Hadley Steel Frame and Normans on this development,” said ROK Project Manager Richard Blackman. “We engaged with the Hadley team and Normans very early before construction started to ensure that we fully understood the system and processes involved. The Hadley frame was a great solution which eradicated many of the usual issues and enabled us to meet the very keen project timescale.”
The HadleyFRAME System For anyone watching the construction the speed the building went up would have been unmissable. A testament to the HadleyFRAME system and Normans’ adoption of the process – the main structure was assembled in just 10 weeks.
The HadleyFRAME offsite system is a panelised fully loadbearing structural solution. Ideally the structure is installed on a reinforced concrete slab or transfer structure, but the high strength to weight ratio and relative weight saving in the system means it can also be used on top of existing structures. The external walls are provided as panels made from 100mm galvanised steel studs at 600mm centres (gauge of steel for the studs varies with loads). The external wall panels also arrive on site preboarded with an external sheathing board and vapour barrier factory applied.
Structural efficiency gains are made through the HadleyFRAME system being deployed as a whole, utilising internal loadbearing wall panels in the design. Wall spans are kept to a minimum, with only structural walls included to reduce unnecessary costs. Internal walls are panelised with 100mm studs and do not include linings. In addition, the panels are used to form the lift shaft and staircore. The lift shaft is designed to the manufacturer's specifications and includes a lifting beam (tested by others) with plates or rails to take the lifting gear. Stairs are hot rolled steel with the pans infilled with either screed or dry screed board.
A comprehensive approach is at the heart of HadleyFRAME’s structural stability, achieved by bracing being distributed throughout the wall panels rather than using hot rolled braced bays or relying on the core. Most internal and external walls include bracing which is a 1.5mm flat strap used as a cross brace to the face of the panel.
The most popular option for intermediate floor is a 150mm composite deck, with deeper decks available for larger spans or loads. Joisted cassettes can be used, as an intermediate floor, typically formed with 200mm of galvanised steel joists and an 18mm ply deck for stability and access. The joisted cassette is a lighter option if structure weigh is an issue. However, for greater fire and acoustic performance many clients specify a composite concrete deck in lieu of the joisted cassette which relies on the linings for its performance.
A roof formed from 200mm joisted cassettes is the standard option, saving weight over the composite alternative. A straightforward and cost-effective flat roof is the most common option. Simple falls can be included in the design. Traditional pitched roofs are also offered.
Full detailing and design are included by the Hadley UK in-house experts. IFC models are provided during the design phase for coordination with other trades.
This method of construction offers significant efficiencies reducing timescales by 20% over traditional construction methods, requiring far fewer deliveries to a central restricted location and significantly reducing people on site who normally fulfil traditional trades.
The advantage of training local labour was not just in upskilling. It meant the common shipping delays experienced on the island could be managed as components could be delivered well ahead of programme and stored efficiently ready for scheduled assembly. Normans then panelised the components with Hadley’s training with the work certified under their FPC certification, producing offsite pre-panelised sections with sheathing board on the external walls.
The project has been a resounding success with the positive collaboration demonstrating the advanced method of construction improves productivity and reduces environmental impact while delivering a high-quality result.
Source: Andium Homes and Jersey Evening Post
Contact the structural team to find out more on sales@hadleysteelframing.com
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