Focused Construction News’ Post

How did we integrate an innovative post & rail system with our vertical bar balustrades at this development in Chelsea Creek? Find out more in the full case study. 🔬 Chelsea Creek, a @BERKELEY HOMES (OXFORD & CHILTERN) LIMITED project, offers European-style living in Central London. It provides a refreshingly unique urban lifestyle with tree-lined avenues and meandering waterways. Chelsea Creek is an incredibly fashionable waterside development with a perfect combination of style and tranquillity. Sapphire Balconies were commissioned to design and manufacture 183 balconies for this unique project. Due to the different style of structural posts included in this phase of the Chelsea Creek project, a new post & rail system was included, comprising a package of prefinished extruded aluminium profiles, easily assembled to provide a robust and attractive balustrade on the project. The post and rail system provides a mechanism to re-introduce glass and vertical bars to balcony designs, whilst also allowing the incorporation of alternative infill materials. 🔗 Read the full Chelsea Creek case study here: https://buff.ly/3Cb6dFr #ResidentialConstruction #CaseStudy #Innovation #PostRail #Chelsea #MMC #LondonConstruction #Technology

Fitzrovia's Plans For Cabbagetown Development Reduced To 39 & 40 Storeys Now, plans are calling for further height reduction as a result of "a detailed study of #constructability and required tolerances to maintain clearance and any obstructions within the updated St. Michaels Helicopter Flight Path," according to Fitzrovia's cover letter. Plans envision a unique linking of the two buildings via the existing 23-storey #apartment building, with the recently renovated building serving as a connection to the 39-story North Tower and the 40-storey South Tower. Additionally, the roof of the existing building would serve as a 17,428-sq.-ft outdoor amenity space with a 3,882-sq.-ft green roof. Plus, a 13,002-sq.-ft public park would be realized directly east of the South Tower. In total, the #development boasts 25,911 sq. ft of amenity space across levels 18, 17, and the ground floor in the North Tower and levels 16, two, and the ground floor in the South Tower, with the South Tower offering a 2,591-sq.-ft amenity terrace. Rafael & Bigauskas Architects has been retained by Fitzrovia to design the infill buildings, and renderings depict a modern, rounded geometric built form with the tower elements divided into separate blocks that slightly cantilever over one another. The windows appear to take on a number of different shapes and sizes and the building is clad in what appears to be a terracotta #exterior. Prior to Rafael & Bigauskas Architects' work, renderings for the development were created by PARTISANS, but it appears the newly-retained architecture firm has maintained the general vision for the project. Source: Storeys #ACBIM #CANADA #BRITISHCOLUMBIA #ONTARIO #TORONTO #OTTAWA #LONDON #GTA #MANITOBA #ALBERTA #HAMILTON #QUEBEC #NIAGARA #VANCOUVER #CALGARY #RICHMOND #BURNABY #SCARBOROUGH #SURREY #BRAMPTON #COQUITLAM #TORONTO #MISSISSAUGA #ACBIM #ADABIM #ACPBIM #COORDINATION #VALUEENGINEERING #PEERREVIEW #CONSTRUCTIONPLANNING #PROJECTMANAGMENT #REALESTATE #DEVELOPMENT #CONSTRUCTION #DESIGN #RISK #PROJECT

At the heart of Tottenham Court Road, The Fitzrovia stands as a testament to the versatility and innovation of precast concrete. This striking six-storey development combines modern methods of construction with timeless design, creating a structure that reflects the architectural heritage of its surroundings. The precast façade, with its intricate celadon-glazed terracotta and brick finishes, highlights the design’s sophistication while delivering exceptional durability and performance. Sustainability was at the forefront of the project, achieving industry-leading environmental standards and incorporating offsite manufacturing techniques to minimise disruption and waste. The result is a development that not only enhances the urban landscape but also sets a benchmark for sustainable construction. Explore the full case study to learn more about the role of precast concrete in this remarkable project: https://lnkd.in/gwy-RX6q

#TBT to one of our largest projects, which saw us transform a disused office block in Portsmouth into 153 apartments for students. The £11m design-and-build project also required the construction of two ground-floor retail units. Our team enhanced the building’s exterior with a new roof and masonry for the curtain walling system. All windows were replaced with high-specification Schüco windows combined with green glazed panels to bring colour to the scheme. The windows were manufactured using anodised aluminium on the outside to increase durability and improve aesthetics. Following a design recommendation from Vale Southern, a polyester powder was used to coat the inside of the windows, enabling any future repairs to be carried out more easily and cost-effectively. Internally, the new flats include studios with designated study areas, and apartments with en-suite bathrooms. Mechanical and electrical services were installed, plus two lifts. The entrance area was remodelled and shells created for the retail units. https://ow.ly/OBFo50Rp6FW #construction #studentaccommodation #designandbuild #residential

Fitzrovia's Plans For Cabbagetown Development Reduced To 39 & 40 Storeys Now, plans are calling for further height reduction as a result of "a detailed study of #constructability and required tolerances to maintain clearance and any obstructions within the updated St. Michaels Helicopter Flight Path," according to Fitzrovia's cover letter. Plans envision a unique linking of the two buildings via the existing 23-storey #apartment building, with the recently renovated building serving as a connection to the 39-story North Tower and the 40-storey South Tower. Additionally, the roof of the existing building would serve as a 17,428-sq.-ft outdoor amenity space with a 3,882-sq.-ft green roof. Plus, a 13,002-sq.-ft public park would be realized directly east of the South Tower. In total, the #development boasts 25,911 sq. ft of amenity space across levels 18, 17, and the ground floor in the North Tower and levels 16, two, and the ground floor in the South Tower, with the South Tower offering a 2,591-sq.-ft amenity terrace. Rafael & Bigauskas Architects has been retained by Fitzrovia to design the infill buildings, and renderings depict a modern, rounded geometric built form with the tower elements divided into separate blocks that slightly cantilever over one another. The windows appear to take on a number of different shapes and sizes and the building is clad in what appears to be a terracotta #exterior. Prior to Rafael & Bigauskas Architects' work, renderings for the development were created by PARTISANS, but it appears the newly-retained architecture firm has maintained the general vision for the project. Source: Storeys #ACBIM #CANADA #BRITISHCOLUMBIA #ONTARIO #TORONTO #OTTAWA #LONDON #GTA #MANITOBA #ALBERTA #HAMILTON #QUEBEC #NIAGARA #VANCOUVER #CALGARY #RICHMOND #BURNABY #SCARBOROUGH #SURREY #BRAMPTON #COQUITLAM #TORONTO #MISSISSAUGA #ACBIM #ADABIM #ACPBIM #COORDINATION #VALUEENGINEERING #PEERREVIEW #CONSTRUCTIONPLANNING #PROJECTMANAGMENT #REALESTATE #DEVELOPMENT #CONSTRUCTION #DESIGN #RISK #PROJECT

🏈 Prefab and Football Nestled in Santa Clara, California, Levi's Stadium is not just the home of the San Francisco 49ers; it's a showcase of prefabrication's pivotal role in modern stadium construction. This landmark utilizes an extensive array of prefabricated components, from steel structures to precast concrete seating, which were all assembled off-site and delivered ready for fast installation. This method dramatically cut down construction timelines and onsite labor. 🔹 Speed and Precision Levi's Stadium’s construction was revolutionized by the use of these large-scale prefabricated sections, including its massive bowl structure and the iconic "bowl ribbon" made from precast concrete, allowing for quicker assembly and fewer disruptions in the densely populated area. 🔸 Sustainability and Innovation The stadium’s commitment to green building practices extends through its use of prefabrication. By reducing material waste and onsite disturbances, the stadium not only sped up its construction process but also achieved LEED Gold certification for its environmental sustainability. 🔹 Enhanced Fan Experience Every aspect of the fan experience was considered in the prefab design, from the rapid construction of luxury suites and concession areas to the entire seating arrangement, ensuring durability and comfort.Levi's Stadium stands as a testament to the effectiveness of prefabrication in large-scale projects, offering lessons in efficiency, sustainability, and design that can be applied across industries. #LevisStadium #PrefabConstruction #SustainableDesign #StadiumArchitecture

Lacrosse Tower, a 21-storey residential high-rise in Melbourne, Australia, caught fire on November 24, 2014. In 2017, the Grenfell tower fire incident in London was yet another landmark combustible cladding fire. Both buildings were clad with an aluminium composite panel (ACP) with a core made from combustible plastic and were the primary cause of the fire’s rapid spread. Nearly ten years have passed since Lacrosse. Some jurisdictions have quickly responded to address the problem, putting in place extensive cladding remediation initiatives. Other jurisdictions have taken longer to react. Network Architectural have released an insightful White Paper that takes a deeper look at combustible cladding and the current state of facade design sector in Australia: where are we now, what the current issues are, and where we need to be in the future. Read more - https://bit.ly/3WEzqka #Cladding #ProjectRemediate #Architecture #ArchitectureAndDesign

#RenderVsReality Series 2 Vessel in Hudson Yards, NY – designed by Heatherwick studio! it's a new type of public landmark, offering a unique experience with 2,465 steps, 80 landings, and panoramic views across the Hudson River and Manhattan. It’s the focal point of Hudson Yards, one of the largest real estate projects in U.S. history, transforming a former rail yard into a vibrant new neighborhood with over five acres of public spaces and gardens. "Every element of the Vessel is bespoke, from the joints to the handrails. The 75 huge steel components were produced in Venice by specialist fabricator Cimolai Group, before being brought from Italy in six shipments, carried across the Hudson River by barge, and assembled on site in a process that took three years. Yet despite the size of the Vessel, it has been designed at a human scale, to be climbed, explored and enjoyed by New Yorkers and visitors – a simple structure, animated by people and the reflections of the square beneath." What do you think of this creation? #Vessel #HudsonYards #Architecture #Design #PublicLandmark #UrbanDevelopment #RenderVsReality #InnovationInDesign #PublicSpaces #NewYorkCity #newforma Credits: https://lnkd.in/ex2kPn-R Getty Images / Forbes Massie

London’s “Walkie Talkie” building, a 37-story glass tower with a price tag of $311 million. It is under scrutiny due to its blinding glare. The structure’s unique design reflects sunlight intensely, melting parked cars and even igniting a minor fire in a nearby shop. Workers in the vicinity are complaining about the discomfort caused by the brilliant light. Land Securities PLC and Canary Wharf PLC, the developers behind the project, are actively addressing the issue. They are exploring potential solutions, including applying a chemical to the building’s glass exterior to reduce the glare. They are committed to working closely with local businesses and authorities to find both short-term and long-term remedies. One Jaguar owner received compensation of nearly $1,555 after parts of their car were deformed by the concentrated sunlight. The owner, Martin Lindsay, expressed frustration, noting that the damage occurred within just a few hours of parking in the area. Local businesses also suffered due to the building’s glare. The intense sunlight melted paint, tiles, and even set a doormat on fire in some shops. Architect Rafael Vinoly designed the “Walkie Talkie” building, which is expected to be completed by 2014. While the design has architectural merit, the issues stemming from its sunlight reflection highlight the need for careful consideration of practical implications. #London #light #businesses #sunlight #WalkieTalkie #brilliant

Discover the thoughtful conversion of a former antique shop, complete with an underpass leading to a rear workshop. Our client successfully transformed the property into five modern flats through careful strip-out and internal reconfiguration. The ground floor now includes a 2-bedroom flat and two 1-bedroom flats, while the first floor offers a flexible space that can serve as either a 2-bedroom flat with a study or a spacious 3-bedroom flat. The rear workshop has been converted into a well-designed 1-bedroom flat. We look forward to supporting our client on the next projects. Get in touch with us to learn how we can support you. Drop us an email on info@masonrow.co.uk to have a chat today. #PropertyTransformation #BeforeAndAfter #IntelligentFinance #PropertyInvestment #HomeRenovation #PropertyConversion #ModernLiving #InteriorDesign #PropertyDevelopment #InvestmentProperty #ConstructionProject #UKProperty #ArchitecturalDesign #PropertyRenovation #BuildingTransformation #DevelopmentJourney #AntiqueShopConversion #InvestmentSuccess #LTV #FinancingSuccess #WorkshopConversion #MasonRow