ABD Engineering & Design’s Post

Safety is a key consideration of architectural design and construction. From foundations to finishing touches, ensuring the safety and security of occupants is non-negotiable. https://lnkd.in/eB8R3TVG @StrandHardware

No bale of straw this time - but respect and tradition still kept paramount: In generations long past, and as part of an ancient London bylaw, a bale of straw would be suspended from any bridge undergoing maintenance works to alert river traffic to the reduced headroom in the waters ahead. This quirky tradition was enacted at London’s Millennium Bridge recently, although (sadly) it was not needed for this month's upgrades to Tower Bridge's pedestrian walkways since the maintenance works caused no disruption to the actual waterways themselves. Instead the works at Tower Bridge included the bespoke design and engineering of 660 new walkway covers - custom-made by Eccles Engineering - for superior traction and easy-access to the utilities housed underneath. Tradition and respect were considered paramount throughout this project. The ductile iron covers used were skillfully designed to complement the traditional aesthetics of the bridge whilst also offering additional modern functionality. The result was a seamless upgrade of the walkways that will keep the 40,000 people who walk across Tower Bridge each day, safe and happy. Read the full case study: https://lnkd.in/ecTBGJqy #construction #buildersmerchants #infrastructure #drainage  #watermanagement #buildingmaterials #groundworks #facilitiesmanagement #engineering #kitemark #architecture #specifiers #water #bridges #bridgedrainage #steel #housebuilding #rail #housebuilders #compositematerials #trade #manholecovers #accesscovers #engineering #towerbridge

Who says modular homes have to be drab and uninspiring? Brian Abramson founded Method Homes in 2007 with the intention of using modular construction to streamline building—without sacrificing on good design or craftsmanship. Method has endeavored to walk the line between efficiency and quality by mixing prefabrication with on-site work, recruiting architecture firms on a project-by-project basis, and staffing a rigorous in-house team of designers. Virtually all phases of construction are performed in-house, from design and permitting, to framing, electrical, finishes, and final installation on-site, which gives them the advantage of having full control over virtually the entire building process, significantly reduceing the risk of delays or mistakes.

Construction is underway for a new three-story plus basement home in San Francisco, and ZFA is working closely with John Maniscalco Architecture and Cook Construction to bridge the gap between engineering design and construction. Our integrated shoring system is thoughtfully designed to be a key part of the final structure. The structural work for this beautiful ~4,500-square-foot home in Dolores Heights is anticipated to be completed later this year. ZFA’s integrated shoring design focuses on incorporating shoring elements, which are typically only intended to be used temporarily, into the permanent structure to the greatest extent possible. For this project, the existing grade was lowered by more than 20 feet beneath the structure. Perimeter hand-dug pits and wood lagging with concrete infill walls and cross-lot steel bracing provide lateral stability and soil support. These elements are also designed to be incorporated into the final structure without infringing on livable square footage. The location of the cross-lot bracing elements was closely coordinated with the architectural design to align with the final structural systems. ZFA has extensive experience in integrated shoring design systems on residential projects in San Francisco. Because traditional shoring design involves expensive structural systems that are typically removed for installation of the final structure, an integrated shoring design results in timeline efficiencies and reduced construction costs. Our comprehensive approach to shoring also provides for the consideration and coordination of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing trades during the shoring phase to streamline construction. This results in a seamless integration between systems and a more efficient structure—ultimately providing value to our clients.

Safety is a key consideration of architectural design and construction. From foundations to finishing touches, ensuring the safety and security of occupants is non-negotiable. https://lnkd.in/epUTHPPc @StrandHardware

Timber frame or traditional build? 🤔 One of the primary advantages of using a timber frame is the rapid construction speed it offers for sites. With the ability to have multiple trades working simultaneously, tasks such as plumbing and electrical work can commence as soon as the roof is in place. Due to their quick installation, timber frames are also recognized for their environmentally friendly construction, resulting in lower CO2 emissions. This is especially true when the wood is sourced ethically and trees are replanted to maintain sustainability. 🌲 On the flip side, one of the primary advantages of traditional construction methods is the robustness and longevity of the houses. This is evident in the enduring presence of Victorian homes in London even after 200 years, maintaining their original form and structure. Another significant but often overlooked benefit is the flexibility to make last-minute adjustments to the architectural plans. Modifying small details in the layout is simpler with blockwork compared to timber frame constructions, where pre-built panels limit on-site alterations. As a result, making design changes during construction can be more time-consuming and costly for timber frame buildings. 🏛️ Which one would you go for?

Anyone who is involved in designing with SIPSs would do well to get a copy of this recently published book by Hugh Morrison, an ex colleague from my Anthony Hunt Associates days. Incidentally, I proofread the book for Hugh last summer, and can highly recommend it: https://lnkd.in/e3cy7g3U #SIPs #StructuralDesign #TimberConstruction #SustainableDesign #HouseDesign

On the topic of new speculative construction.. This is what an 800,000 square-foot vacant industrial building (built on spec) looks like in 2024. There are lots of these vacant buildings that have popped up across the country in the last couple years and their absorption is now expected by many market participants to take a little longer than they had been expecting a year ago, due in part to the decrease in demand for this large of a block of square footage. Demand for 80-150K suites remains strong however these larger projects might have a little more to worry about. One of the biggest concerns when deciding to construct an industrial building this large is the cost to separate it into smaller suites, to the extent you do not get an 800,000 square-foot tenant, and get say a 200,000 SF tenant. In many cases the cost to separate, or “demise”, a space can cost several hundred thousand dollars, (or in some cases, in excess of $1 million). The cost of demising a space can vary greatly depending on the specifics of the utilities separation required by the landlord or tenant (typically driven by tenant requirements, specific use requirements, and Landlord preference, etc), of course the length/height of demising wall/itself, the fire rating requirements which will depend on the tenant’s use. These walls are 40’ tall in many cases and also require sprinkler system modifications (on both sides). Then consider the cost and timing involved in the design/permitting/construction which can take around 3-6 month time frame depending on the landlord/market/jurisdiction. This delivery timing delay can sometimes be the deciding factor in winning or losing a deal. This building in particular, is located in New Castle, DE.

Progress Update: 270 Park Avenue’s Construction in Midtown East JPMorgan Chase & Co. new headquarters at 270 Park Avenue is swiftly becoming a standout addition to Midtown East's skyline. At 1,388 feet and 60 stories, this Foster + Partners designed supertall is not just an architectural feat; it’s a sustainability benchmark for New York, set to be fully powered by hydroelectric energy. Recent construction milestones include advanced façade installation, with special attention to the base's bronze-hued cladding and the distinctive glass curtain wall facing Park Avenue. Beyond its design, the project emphasizes green energy and is expected to house 15,000 employees in 2.5 million square feet of office space. Developed by Tishman Speyer and built by AECOM Tishman, 270 Park Avenue is a testament to sustainable urban development, projected to inject $29.8 billion annually into the city's economy upon its 2025 completion. #Architecture #Sustainability #NewYorkConstruction #270ParkAvenue https://lnkd.in/erXjgMYJ

#repost Carland Constructions Behind every photo is a story, and the reality is that what remains unseen is deemed unworthy of attention. And when it comes to architecture and construction, we champion the final product more than we do the process behind it. So, which side of the photo are you more interested in? Are your eyes drawn towards the final finishes, which hide everything behind those walls, or are you intrigued by the story of how we got here? At the end of the day, this is the same house, just two different ways to look at it! There is an attitude in construction that says once the plaster goes on, no one will see what is behind it. That’s true, but we want you to know what we did to get to that point. We are just as proud of what goes on behind those walls as the finished product. It’s the story of the collaboration between architects, builders, engineers and construction teams and the pursuit of perfection! Behind that final product tells you that this home will be durable, that it’s been detailed correctly, and that care has been taken from the start to the finish. So, whilst we love a sexy final photo, sometimes we just need to stop and appreciate that detail of how we first got there and understand that the final shot is about embracing a holistic understanding of construction from start to finish. Our team is here to answer your questions and provide valuable insights. Contact us today 0477 553 302