This project comprised the 12000m2 construction of 484 self contained bedrooms in cluster Flats and Studio apartments over 8 storeys with ground level D2 commercial space and public realm works. The site was the former ‘Bristol Entertainment Centre’. The Ice Rink was removed with the O2 Academy remaining operational.
The building was piled and rock socketed into bedrock with the structural design consisting of 3 design parameters working together; An insitu concrete frame of 12storeys forming 75% of the building; A 63m long 5.5m high concrete vierendeel truss suspended off 4 columns over the O2 Academy below; A metal frame construction (Kingframe) cold roll steel structure was built on top of the truss, 6storeys high also connected to the insitu concrete frame with rocker slabs.
A high SBEM calculation was set, necessitating smart design on fabric and M&E. A concrete frame was engineered in to reduce acoustic risk and improve the logistical restrictions of the original design. Gebrik panelling and a render system was selected instead of masonry facades with brick slip cladding and bath stone window surrounds, offering an almost identical finish with substantial cost savings. On the lower building an alternate cladding was selected instead of zinc cladding which offered a safer, more durable covering.
