Hacker’s Post

We give a lot of thought to how we design the layout of an office, but not quite so much when it comes to the equally important layout and design of a construction site. There is a lot of evidence that says we could do better: https://lnkd.in/eZ4VSZU8 #construction #design #engineering #healthandsafety

We give a lot of thought to how we design the layout of an office, but not quite so much when it comes to the equally important layout and design of a construction site. There is a lot of evidence that says we could do better: https://lnkd.in/eTRGyxP9 #construction #design #engineering #healthandsafety

Understanding Structural Expansion Joints: A Practical Example from My Office Parking Lot While walking through the basement parking lot of my office building, I noticed something unusual about the placement of the columns. Unlike the typical grid system where columns are spaced several meters apart, these columns were located right next to each other, separated by only a narrow gap of about 10 centimeters. At first glance, this seemed odd, but upon closer inspection, I realized that this gap wasn’t just a spacing error or a design flaw—it was an intentional and crucial feature: a structural expansion joint. Why Are Expansion Joints Important? Expansion joints are critical components in large buildings and structures. They are designed to absorb and accommodate the natural movements that occur due to changes in temperature, humidity, wind, or even slight settling of the building over time. Without these joints, the structure could experience significant stress, leading to cracks, deformation, or even structural failure. How Do They Work? The columns I observed were likely part of different structural sections of the parking garage. The 10-centimeter gap, filled with the expansion joint, allows these sections to move independently of each other. This flexibility helps maintain the integrity of the building, preventing damage that could occur if the entire structure were rigidly connected. Real-World Application Seeing this in person was a great reminder of the often-overlooked aspects of structural engineering. What might seem like a minor detail—the placement of columns or a small gap—actually plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and durability of the entire building. I wanted to share this observation with my LinkedIn community because it highlights the importance of paying attention to the details in engineering and design. Whether you're an engineer, architect, or just someone interested in how buildings work, understanding these concepts can deepen your appreciation for the structures we interact with every day.

Find the perfect modular solution for your project. Check out our latest blog post to learn about different types of modular buildings and how to choose the right one for your needs. #ModularBuildings #MobileOffices #Construction #WorkspaceSolutions

In 1929, a skyscraper was rotated 90 degrees while everyone kept working inside In 1929, the Indiana Bell Telephone Company purchased the Central Union Telephone Company, along with its eight-story headquarters in downtown Evansville, Indiana, as part of a plan to majorly expand its footprint in the area. First, it considered demolishing the Central Union Telephone building, which housed its administrative offices and telephone switchboards. But architect Kurt Vonnegut Sr. (the father of author Kurt Vonnegut Jr.) had a different idea. Rather than raze the building and start from scratch, they could move it across the lot — 52 feet sideways, followed by a 90-degree turn — and expand from there. The plan didn’t just work; it was a resounding success. Not only did the eight-story, 11,000-ton building end up safely in its new location, but the offices remained fully operational during the monthlong moving process, with no disruptions to telephone service. The move was an impressive feat of engineering. The building’s support columns were lifted from their cast-iron bases at the foundation, and each was put on a temporary steel support. (The elevator shaft was modified to keep the car from going into the now-nonexistent basement.) Eighteen manually operated jacks moved the supports along a series of rollers three-eighths of an inch at a time, and the building traveled roughly 15 inches per hour. Workers had to be careful to move all the columns at the same pace, so they’d follow the lead of the construction foreman, who would blow a whistle to signal that it was time to pull the levers. Engineers kept an eye on the building’s alignment with a plumb bob; if a roller started to shift out of position, they’d simply whack it with a sledgehammer. When it was time for the 90-degree pivot, the crew had to lift the building briefly to adjust the rollers. Steam engines attached to cables helped power this final movement, rotating the structure into place. Ultimately, the building sat within one-sixteenth of an inch of its planned destination. During the move, the 600 employees entered and exited the building from the sidewalk via a moveable bridge. Reportedly, the workers inside the building didn’t even feel the movement. The project made way for a seven-story limestone art deco building, completed in 1932 and now on the National Register of Historic Places. The company continued to add to the campus, and the original building was demolished in 1963 to make room. “What a piece of work is Man!” — Shakespeare

In the 1930s, a skyscraper was rotated 90 degrees while everyone kept working inside. In 1929, the Indiana Bell Telephone Company purchased the Central Union Telephone Company, along with its eight-story headquarters in downtown Evansville, Indiana, as part of a plan to majorly expand its footprint in the area. First, it considered demolishing the Central Union Telephone building, which housed its administrative offices and telephone switchboards. But architect Kurt Vonnegut Sr. (yup, the father of author Kurt Vonnegut Jr.) had a different idea. Rather than raze the building and start from scratch, they could move it across the lot — 52 feet sideways, followed by a 90-degree turn — and expand from there. The plan didn’t just work; it was a resounding success. Not only did the eight-story, 11,000-ton building end up safely in its new location, but the offices remained fully operational during the monthlong moving process, with no disruptions to telephone service. The move was an impressive feat of engineering. The building’s support columns were lifted from their cast-iron bases at the foundation, and each was put on a temporary steel support. (The elevator shaft was modified to keep the car from going into the now-nonexistent basement.) Eighteen manually operated jacks moved the supports along a series of rollers three-eighths of an inch at a time, and the building traveled roughly 15 inches per hour. Workers had to be careful to move all the columns at the same pace, so they’d follow the lead of the construction foreman, who would blow a whistle to signal that it was time to pull the levers. Engineers kept an eye on the building’s alignment with a plumb bob; if a roller started to shift out of position, they’d simply whack it with a sledgehammer. When it was time for the 90-degree pivot, the crew had to lift the building briefly to adjust the rollers. Steam engines attached to cables helped power this final movement, rotating the structure into place. Ultimately, the building sat within one-sixteenth of an inch of its planned destination. During the move, the 600 employees entered and exited the building from the sidewalk via a moveable bridge. Reportedly, the workers inside the building didn’t even feel the movement. The project made way for a seven-story limestone art deco building, completed in 1932 and now on the National Register of Historic Places. The company continued to add to the campus, and the original building was demolished in 1963 to make room. Credit: HistoryFacts.com

A perfect storm catalyzed by the global pandemic, the rising impacts of climate change and current financial conditions has dramatically impacted the commercial office market. With the current record-high office vacancy rate of 19.6% nationwide, developers are finding that the workplace of tomorrow is in undeniable demand today and are taking action to ensure their properties are seen as desirable to current and potential tenants. In these conditions, speculative office projects are a sector of particular concern and opportunity. To create a unique product that would appeal to future tenants, our client (a confidential Texas-based developer) sought to explore how a typical commercial office building could be redesigned as a mass timber structure, without impacting the existing entitlement, including FAR, general building massing and below-grade parking. Our team had recently completed an innovative workplace project for this developer, and we were brought in to employ similar thinking to reimagine this building and site. https://lnkd.in/gZUZQuDG #architecten#architect

Have you ever considered the versatility of portable buildings? 🏗️ These adaptable structures are providing tailored solutions for a wide range of requirements. From pop-up shops to temporary offices, the possibilities are endless. Customers are finding satisfaction in the flexibility and convenience these buildings offer. Their experiences highlight the potential of portable buildings to meet diverse needs. Could this be the future of adaptable, cost-effective construction? Let's discuss.

Art Of Form ARCHITECTS ... #artofform #planning #architecture #interiordesign #realestate  #adaptivereuse #repurposing #conciergedesign  #NOUPFRONTCOSTTENANTFITOUTSTUDIES #esg #permitexpediting  #proptech #architects #art #commercialrealestate #facilities #artofformarchitects #raycaliendo #raymondcaliendo

Happy Belated New Year! Now that we're back to work after the holiday season, it's a great time to reflect on our growth over the past year. At Harban Redwood, we believe celebrating success is always timely, so here's a brief summary of our key milestones. For a more detailed recap, visit our blog via the link at the end of this post. Relocation to New Banbury Office The relocation of our Banbury team to a new office was a significant milestone. In this critical move for Harban Redwood, the new office is a hub for collaboration and creativity between us and our clients as we expand our capabilities to provide tailored structural engineering solutions. Rebranding: A Bold Step Into the Future We entered 2024 as Ian Harban Consulting Engineers, and rebranded to Harban Redwood in September, marking our commitment to development and ambitions for further expansion. We have also grown our presence on social media (including here on LinkedIn), where we have started to share informative blogs, updates, and industry insights. More of these to come in 2025! Showcasing Some of Our Favourite Projects in 2024 Our 2024 portfolio featured some exceptional projects, where we have continued to demonstrate our expertise and innovative approach. More details on these projects can be found on our blog post (see shared link).  ·  Luxury Residential Building, Stratford-Upon-Avon ·  X-Sign Expansion of Industrial Unit in Brackley ·  Luxury Residential Building, Leamington Spa ·  Seaside Holiday Let Complex, St. Ives, Cornwall ·  Luxury Residential Building in Gloucestershire Emerging Industry Trends & New Ventures In 2024, we positioned ourselves as experts in two key structural engineering fields: ·  Blending the Traditional With Innovation – Barn Conversions In 2024, we conducted more structural surveys than in previous years, demonstrating our expertise in supporting Class Q Permitted Development projects and planning applications for barn conversions. ·  Developing Sustainable Drainage Design Building on our success as drainage experts, we developed a CPD presentation on drainage design in 2024. This initiative showcased our expertise and expanded our client base by promoting our services. In 2025, we look forward to continuing our roadshow and sharing our expertise in drainage design. Moving Into the New Year As we enter 2025, we look back at these achievements and feel excited about the new year’s opportunities. At Harban Redwood, we remain dedicated to innovation, excellence, and sustainability to drive us forward and remain at the forefront of the structural engineering industry. We thank our clients and team for making 2024 a successful year, and look forward to achieving new milestones together in the future. #newyear #harbanredwood #structuralengineer https://lnkd.in/ezPr_vv8