Brief
Re-appraisal of RIBA Stage 3 to increase GDV and deliver the technical working drawing package from RIBA Stage 4 through to completion.
Solution
Review and Improve
RA were appointed for stage 4 onwards, and our first task was to review the approved design against current building regulation requirements, particularly Part B means of escape and resistance to fire. Within this process we habitually review the layout to assess potential improvement to the net to gross ratio, ie reducing the amount of communal space (which attracts no income) and maximising the saleable/ lettable space within the unit curtilages.
In this case in addition to correcting the insufficient allocation to bin/cycle storage, plant and smoke vent requirements, we reduced the net to gross from 18% to 15%.
https://www.rickett.co.uk/projects/large-residential/cliveland-street-birmingham#sigProId6edb7d4b06
Prefabricated System
RA and the design team adopted BIM for this project, utilising Autodesk REVIT software to integrate and coordinate detail information with both Structural and Mechanical and electrical Engineers.
This process also facilitated the integration of a prefabrication supplier into the pretender consultancy team. In this case, Fusion was adopted to supply and install their light gauge steel composite panel solution to form the structural and insulated frame above a steel podium deck that formed the ground floor.
The building is clad in heavily detailed brickwork, however the hybrid solution required careful detailing of junctions and voids, particularly because the client required the build to be EWS1 compliant, despite not reaching the minimum height benchmark for this obligation.
The use of prefabricated panel solutions is a cost effective way of erecting a structural insulated frame to meet a tight construction programme, however it does require more pretender design, therefore retaining a design team that understands this process is essential.
The RA
Difference
RA retained post planning consent on the strength and reputation of our technical team to provide pre-tender and post-tender services to client and contractor.
RA revised the design to improve the Net to Gross floor areas and therefore enhance the ROI for the client. The integrity of the designed scheme was retained, while integrating modular construction methods to improve the construction programme. Further, the requirement to comply with EWS1 standards was absorbed into the detailing of the building without unnecessary cost or delay,
