At what stage of ‘cost planning’ were you undertaking this review?
RIBA Stage 3 (Spatial Coordination ie no detailed drawings/specifications!)
When did your initial cost estimating take place for this project and at what stage?
This was the first Estimate I was preparing
The information I had first received was at this level of detail (ie RIBA Stage 3)
If the design information was already at this fairly detailed stage, how had the design developed up to this point without any estimates/budgets beforehand?
When I was introduced to this project by my colleagues, I was informed the designs were already fairly advanced and a Cost Plan would need to be developed.
The designs were already fairly advanced by Kyle Smart Associates (Architects) who had developed a Design and Access Statement (Site Analysis and Evaluation; Design Statement; Heritage Statement; Access Statement; Sustainability Statement; conclusion) in which they developed several proposals in consultation with the Client and Stakeholders (theatre group, planners,) and a SWOT Analysis (this new build was to replace an existing building performing the same function, however with additional area devoted to residential units to provide an income).
It was after these developments had taken place via external consultants that the project was passed on to Ridge for preparing a Cost Plan.
What was the existing structure and what was being demolished?
St Monica’s Hall was built around 1931. Parish community centre incorporating a smaller theatre and facilities for arts and crafts discussion groups and social centre activities.
ME: A brick building with typical elemental features of the era ie brick building, pitched slate roof, concrete surrounds to windows/doors, internal walls, hall with stage, basement.
What was the new structure?
To have similar function. The components of the structure as later flashcard
The ‘church hall and adjacent apartments’ - where were these situated to one another?
They were adjoined by a separating wall (party wall) made of masonry (blockwork cavity walls; 300 mm wide/thick)
Any considerations that are required in circumstances of adjoining buildings in relation to the Building Regulations?
Fire safety (B) short (30 minutes), medium (60 minutes) or long (120 minutes). ;
sound insulation (E) The requirement for wall soundproofing of airborne sound pollution in purpose-built dwellings is 45 dB. The requirement for floors and ceilings in purpose-built dwellings of airborne sound also sits at 45 dB. However, there is also a requirement of 62 dB for impact sound (such as walking on floorboards).;
structural ability (A) - structural engineer??.
What sort of ‘different uses’ were required in this ‘large space’? (as opposed to residential)
Primarily communal ie hall, cafe, gathering foyer with seating, meeting rooms for public hire; management offices,
Why was a steel frame required?
Structure of external walling?
What did the Flat Roof comprise of?
What did the floors comprise of?
Why steel decks?
How was the Hall ceiling comprised? Why this type?
The building was 3 storeys in height at its highest (hall was only 2 storeys); the steel frame was for the purposes of providing support for the flat roof structure, but also the full height acoustic partitions, and the curtain glazing (1 storey height, GF front, FF back)
The external walling was conventional brick/block (215mm thick blocks) cavity.
Flat roof comprising warm roof configuration, insulation is installed above the steel deck (corrugated); waterproofing membranes.
[Sarnafil sheeting directly on top of insulation, directly on top of vapour control layer, directly on top of metal profile decking, on top of (transversely, steel beams)], providing thermal insulation and protecting the steel frame from temperature fluctuations.
Floors - steel columns, steel beams, upper floors - concrete plank floor
Steel decks are lightweight, durable, and cost-effective, making them a popular choice for commercial, industrial, and residential construction projects)
Plasterboard Ceiling: Plasterboard ceilings offer versatility and can be installed directly onto the steel deck using a framing system. They provide a smooth, finished appearance and can accommodate recessed lighting, HVAC ducts, and other fixtures. Plasterboard ceilings can also incorporate acoustic insulation for improved sound control.)
Were any other means of construction considered?
This was what was in the design at RIBA level 3 when I did the cost plan.
Possible reason - a large span, light, easily accommodated within surrounding building, small foundations, quickly constructed (benefits over concrete or timber frame)
As well as the steel frame, would anything else need to be considered for your cost plan in relation to this?
Pad foundations, steel fittings, intumescent coating, fireproof casing, etc
How was this steel frame accommodated within the building?
The steel frame sat in the middle of the complex surrounding the main hall; the columns (and beams) were encased in plasterboard; the columns were adjacent to the masonry walls.
The ‘flat roof’ - why not a pitched roof?
Flat roof for main hall - most simple and aesthetic for a long span area,
the other roofs all flat for aesthetic reasons and to tie in everything;
the design didn’t really allow for this - higher storeys around;
handy for m&e services - plasterboard ceiling???
What were the materials and construction of this flat roof? How was it supported?
Refer to earlier flashcard
What is a ‘roof light’?
Installed into roofs for the purposes of letting in natural light.
How were these incorporated into the flat roof?
Opening in flat roof created by trimmers in roof structure,
lined,
opening in roofing cover,
rooflight inserted on top accommodating adjacent roof covering for watertightness.
How many roof lights were there/the spacing, and how was it determined the appropriate size and number?
6 nr,
each approx 2m x 1m;
roof area approx 400m2;
number appropriate - architect and lighting engineer
What is ‘glazed curtain walling’?
Glazed curtain walling is a non-structural exterior building envelope system consisting of glass panels framed by aluminum, steel, or other materials.
How is glazed curtain walling accommodated into the building?
single storey c/w ground floor in front; and single storey c/w first floor in back (both sides supported by steel frame!)
Attachment Method: Glazed curtain walling is attached to the structural framework or building’s perimeter.
Load Transfer: System supports its weight and transfers loads to the building’s structure.
Installation Process:
Secure framing system to floor slabs or structural columns.
Ensure sealing, weatherproofing, and thermal insulation.
Glazed Panel Integration: Panels inserted into framing system for transparent facade.
Benefits: Allows integration of large glass areas while maintaining structural integrity and architectural design.
Are there different types of curtain walling?
Refer to other Flashcard Decks (better considered)
Stick-built: Framing members assembled on-site, with glazing added separately.
Unitized: Pre-fabricated panels, including framing and glazing, assembled off-site and installed as complete units.
Point-supported: Glass panels supported by point-fixings on a structural frame, offering a minimalist appearance.
Structural glazing: Glass panels bonded directly to the structural frame without visible framing, providing a seamless, modern look.
Variability: Varies in complexity, cost, and installation method, catering to diverse architectural designs and project needs.
What common materials are used in curtain walling?
Frame materials - aluminium, steel, or other materials
What type was used here and why was it appropriate?
Stick curtain walling with double glazed units, aluminium structural framing and spandrel rails. Standard colour powder coated capped. mullions spaced 1.5m apartand spanning typical storey height of 3.8 m. Floor to ceiling glass sealed units with 8.8mm low-e coated laminated inner pane, air filled cavity and 8mm clearmonolithic heat strengthened outer pane. all brackets,membranes, fire stopping between floors
Are there downsides to using curtain walling, particularly curtain walling that is glazed?
Cost; maintenance; insulation; condensation; durability; solar heat gain.
Tell me more about this ‘foldable acoustic partition’?
How did it work? How was it incorporated into the building?
Movable wall system, often referred to as operable partitions or folding partitions. These partitions consist of interconnected panels that can be folded or stacked to one side when not in use
Columns each side, beam above - structural steel frame
Track Installation: Install a track system onto the steel frame, providing support and guidance for the movement of the partition panels.
Panel Attachment: Attach the partition panels to the track system, ensuring they are securely mounted and aligned. Operational Mechanism: Install the operational mechanism, typically consisting of hinges, rollers, and locking mechanisms, to facilitate the folding and stacking of the partition panels.
Finishing Touches: Complete any finishing touches, such as adding trim or seals, to achieve a seamless integration with the surrounding space.
