ACME’s Post

When it comes to #affordable housing, should it be designed and delivered to the same quality as the rest of the market? We absolutely think so! So we are pleased to see two of our recent affordable housing schemes with Caddick Construction Limited fully handed over - build quality has been second to none, great to see some real passion for perfection and attention to detail from the whole construction team. Ferrars Road, #Sheffield We worked in partnership with Caddick Construction, Together Housing Group and CPC Project Services to deliver this £11.5m development of 19 two-bed, 70 three-bed, and 4 four-bed high quality affordable homes. We collaborated with the wider team to resolve and mitigate difficult site constraints including steep, tree-lined embankments, water courses, and noisy, industrial buildings; and worked closely with civil engineer Adept Consulting Engineers Ltd to relocate a surface water infiltration basin within the site’s demise. Sowgate Lane #Knottingley We were employed by Caddick Construction to deliver 53 affordable homes for #Wakefield and District Housing, consisting of 29 two bed and 24 three-bed family dwellings. The site also threw up a number of challenges such as being situated close to a railway line and having overhead cables crossing the site - so co-ordination was key to making this site a success. These projects are the first to use Caddick’s new house type range, which we developed in full 3D using #Revit in conjunction with structural engineer Adept. Different façade treatments and internal layouts including open plan or traditional can be swapped out to suit individual sites, client preferences, and local requirements; allowing rapid customisation, planning and visualisation. #WatsonBatty #FutureBuilt #Housing

Unit 7 Mass & Air, led by 31/44 Architects (Will Burges, Jade Huang, & Tobias Jewson), formed the last year of my MArch studies. The project focused on addressing the environmental impact of construction materials, specifically analysing their contribution to carbon emissions. While it is recognised that certain materials are more sustainable than others, shortages in these materials often necessitate sourcing from distant regions, which can increase the project’s carbon footprint due to transportation. The aim of the project was not to completely replace traditional materials like concrete, but to reduce their use through more efficient systems. Pre-cast concrete was identified as a favourable option due to its efficiency during production and its sustainable potential at the end of a building’s life, where it can be dismantled and reused in other projects. With this in mind, I explored hybrid construction techniques that could reduce the amount of concrete required, without fully substituting it. The project placed emphasis on responsible and efficient material use, optimising pre-cast concrete within a hybrid system to lower carbon emissions, minimise waste, and support sustainable construction practices. This approach sought to balance material efficiency with environmental considerations, particularly in response to challenges such as material shortages and the carbon costs associated with transportation.

Unfortunately, I can't definitively answer the question "Can my existing foundation support the planned renovation/addition?" This is because assessing an existing foundation's suitability for additional load requires an in-person structural survey. There are several factors that would influence my answer: ✅The type of existing foundation (e.g., slab, basement, crawlspace) and the materials used in its construction (concrete, block, etc.) will play a big role in its load-bearing capacity. ✅Cracks, settlement, or water damage can all weaken a foundation and affect its ability to handle additional weight. ✅The size, weight, and location of the planned addition will significantly impact the load placed on the foundation. To establish whether your project is viable, I'd recommend consulting a structural engineer early on and this is obviously something that myself and the Ora Labora team can help with 👍 We'd be able to assess your specific situation, perform any necessary inspections or calculations, and provide a professional opinion on whether the existing foundation can support your plans. Minor renovations may not require major foundation work and for larger projects the existing foundation may need reinforcing.  For more project specific advice, give us a call on the numbers below, or email hello@oralabora.co.uk 📞OUR PETERBOROUGH OFFICE 01733 602844 📞OUR LONDON OFFICE 020 8191 2284 #weareoralabora #structuralengineering #structuralengineers #construction #structuralsurveys #propertydevelopment #structuraldrawings #structuraldesign #structuralresearch #structuralengineernearme #structuralengineerborehamwood #structuralengineerlondon #structuralengineerhertfordshire #structuralbuilding #structuralengineerprices #borehamwood #peterborough

#Revitalization: repairing concrete and steel with our structural engineer and Wanson Construction Company Limited Many developed cities have existing buildings that are in at-risk conditions. Our team uses professional knowledge, attention to details, creative thinking, and often patience to extend the lifespan of this building. It can be frustrating at times but likely the most #sustainable practice we can do in the built environment. We are looking forward to give new purposes to more existing buildings. Avoid Obvious Architects

Precast concrete is revolutionizing the construction industry with its numerous benefits. Here are some key reasons why precast is gaining popularity: - Efficiency and Speed: Manufactured off-site in controlled conditions, precast components ensure quality, precision, and faster project completion, reducing labor costs. - Sustainability: Made from locally sourced materials, precast concrete reduces waste, can be recycled, and enhances energy efficiency in buildings. - Durability and Strength: Known for exceptional strength and resistance, precast concrete ensures long-term performance with minimal maintenance. - Design Flexibility: Offering a wide range of shapes, sizes, and finishes, precast concrete allows for innovative and visually appealing structures. - Cost-Effectiveness: Despite initial higher costs, precast components offer significant savings over a building's life cycle through reduced labor, maintenance, and long-term durability. - Safety: Enhancing on-site safety by minimizing worker exposure to hazards, precast construction ensures consistent quality and safety standards. Precast concrete is paving the way for a sustainable and resilient construction future, offering efficiency, sustainability, durability, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and safety benefits. As the demand for sustainable building solutions grows, precast concrete is set to shape the future of construction practices globally. #precast #infrastructure #construction #projects #realestate #Builders #developers #indianrailways #architects #projectmanagement #newprojects #ongoingprojects #cementindustry #solarprojects #renewableenergy #solarepc

When embarking on the journey of constructing a new home, you enter into a world of choices and it can often be difficult to decipher what methods will be right for you and your needs. In this article, allow us to compare Modular Construction vs Traditional Construction and help you to know what construction method might be right for you and your special project. https://lnkd.in/g9a4DKRt #Nookhomes #modulararchitecture

Paradigm-shifting clients are a very rare thing, and Hastings Commons is one of those: taking derelict and difficult buildings into community custody, for the common good. They have developed a new model for delivering social infrastructure for a community from the ground up. In an era where social infrastructure funding has been slashed, this is a remarkable achievement. I could not be more excited that IF_DO is extending our work with them to help transform Eagle House. At both Eagle House and the nearby Observer Building we are creating new co-designed spaces dedicated to local young people. With Youth Services funding seeing a real terms decline of 70% (almost £1 billion) from 2010-2020*, the creation of two new youth spaces as part of a community-led regeneration is something that should not only be celebrated, but also seen as a model for communities elsewhere. Now to get them built! A massive thank you to the client team, including Dr Jess Steele, OBE and John Brunton, and huge credit to IF_DOers Jamie Kyle Agnew and Gregory Devaud. #socialinfrastructure #communityinfrastructure #communitybuilding #youthservices #youthcentre #hastings #hastingscommons #retrofit #adaptivereuse *See the YMCA 'Out of Service' report

Want to learn more about the efficiencies of hybrid steel timber construction? Join the next TDS webinar with Nicki of Dunning Thornton Consultants on the 90 Devenport Road project! This Thursday 18th of April.

🏗️ Exploring the Versatility of Precast Concrete Structures 🏗️ In the realm of modern construction, precast concrete stands out not just for its strength and durability, but for its remarkable versatility. As we continually seek innovative and efficient construction methods, the benefits of precast concrete structures become ever more relevant. 1. Design Flexibility - Precast concrete can be molded into virtually any shape, size, or texture, offering architects and engineers the freedom to design innovative and complex structures that meet both aesthetic and functional demands. 2. Speed of Construction - With components manufactured off-site, precast concrete accelerates project timelines, allowing for the rapid assembly of structures and significantly reducing construction periods. 3. Sustainability - Precast concrete contributes to sustainable construction practices through energy efficiency, reduced waste, and the capacity to incorporate recycled materials into the mix. Its thermal mass can improve building energy performance, lowering heating and cooling costs. 4. Durability and Maintenance - Designed to withstand harsh environments, precast concrete structures require minimal maintenance, resist fire, and provide superior soundproofing and weather resistance. 5. Cost-Effectiveness - While providing long-term benefits in terms of durability and maintenance, precast concrete also offers cost savings through quicker construction times and reduced labor costs. The versatility of precast concrete opens up a world of possibilities for construction projects, from high-rise buildings and bridges to parking structures and urban infrastructure. As we embrace these advantages, the future of construction looks not only more efficient and sustainable but boundlessly innovative. Let's discuss! What's been your experience with precast concrete structures? Have you encountered any innovative applications or benefits in your projects? #ConstructionInnovation #PrecastConcrete #SustainableBuilding #EngineeringExcellence

Curious about Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF)? Wondering about its benefits and reasons for usage? Check out our most recent blog post on our website - 'ICF - What is it? Why use it?' If you've had experience with ICF in a recent project or are considering using it, we'd love to hear your thoughts. https://buff.ly/3BuG6sv #ICF #Architects #ICFBlog