Project background
Acies were the structural engineers for the conversion of a 24,000sq ft former office building into 24 one and two-bedroomed high-end apartments across four floors, including ground floor and basement ancillary areas. Located in the predominantly retail area of lower King Street in Manchester’s city centre, the structure was originally 3 buildings combined into one and retained a number of Grade II listed elements within the central edifice.
What did we do?
We provided full structural design services through all stages of the project, from initial concept design to completion. Our main focus was on the structural openings for existing walls, reconfiguration of the exiting steel staircase in the ground floor lobby area and a new mezzanine structure.
How did we do it?
We held regular workshops and design meetings with the architects and wider project team, working collaboratively on solutions to ensure the building’s character and historical features were retained. Considerable investigation work was also carried out at the outset to understand the construction.
Working closely with the Contractor and temporary propping manufacturers, we developed cost effective methods of making the alterations required, whilst limiting construction risks. We utilised 3D modelling through LiDAR scanning to provide an accurate structural model following initial structural investigations. This enabled us to effectively co-ordinate new elements within the existing structure.
What challenges did we face or help to resolve?
An adaptable design approach was needed to successfully resolve the issues that arose when trying to preserve the historic aspects of the structure which included original timber columns and supporting beams.
A new position for one of the wall openings had to be co-ordinated upon discovering, during opening up, that it was above a basement structural opening. Masonry also had to be rebuilt on the 3rd floor once we ascertained that the structure supported the low transfer of ten separate beams over two floors at a specific location, hence required stronger reinforcement.
There was also an additional requirement to provide Mechanical and Electrical service openings at a later stage of the project. This required a thorough reassessment of the existing structure to enable new openings to be formed through the steel structure, not detailed in the original plan.
How did we resolve those challenges?
Using our previous experience on Heritage refurbishments and flexible approach, Acies worked proactively to redesign the structural openings with as little impact to the architectural plans as possible. We back calculated the existing structure and loads to find the best solution to preserve the internal layout of the building, leaving key sections of wall in place for this purpose.
What impact did our work have for the client?
Through our designs and expertise with existing buildings, we were able provide a structural design that utilised the existing structure alongside new lean structural elements, which minimised the amount of new structure required and delivered the most cost-effective solution for the client.
Given that there were tenants in-situ in the ground and basement floors, we successfully developed designs and methodologies for the works that ensured we would not require access into these floors.
Acies is now working on similar projects in King Street for the client due to our achievements on this project.
