Our role
Engineering design schedules were also produced by CHt and formed the basis of an accurate library of technical information to assist with drawing and 3D responsibilities.
CHt work included engineering, drafting and installation of various aspects including contractor design, manufacture and assembly of complex metal gantries, thermal expansion of wet services and brackets / supports. CHt was also fully responsible for coordination between mechanical and electrical services, installation of mechanical services within the energy centre as well as the main Hydro building and all external utilities such as incoming water and gas services.
Crown House Technologies also took the lead position for stringent controls in respect of health and safety of operatives. Detailed risk assessments and method statements for all activities were produced, assessed and signed off prior to any physical works commencing on site.
The challenge
Due to the complex geometry of the structure and our role as lead 3D modeller, we were challenged with the requirement to fully understand all of the engineering aspects of third party packages that were not directly under our control.
Detailed drafting / CAD drawings for offsite manufacture was a challenge as traditional installation works were recognised as being uneconomical and inefficient in this type of building structure.
Also, the programme of works for the project was extremely flexible, and site resources had to be planned economically and with care.
Our approach
CHt was a key member of the team from the outset, delivering advice early in the process with the design team.
With early workshop design meetings involving both the architect and services consultant we were able to develop and introduce our ideas to make our installations streamlined and efficient. A fully interactive 3D model was controlled by CHt. These meetings and workshops were critical to ensure full coordination and that architectural requirements were agreed up front by updating the 3D model on a weekly basis for reference.
These early meetings also provided a solid platform from which to promote our DfMA aspiration for the project and to demonstrate CHt’s capabilities for off-site manufacture.
The engineering behind our delivery
On project award, CHt recognised the need to be innovative from the outset due to the complex nature of the building and the multiple systems to be delivered.
Early internal meetings were held to agree our engineering strategy and we were able to package our engineering works into specific blocks that were created by the CHt team prior to producing working drawings for coordination and ultimately manufacture at our off site facility.
For example, the complex metal gantry package required close liaison with a specialist fabricator to ensure that design aspects were fit for purpose and complied with all specifications prior to coordination and production of CAD drawings for manufacture.
CHt also led the engineering design and delivery of
- Low temperature hot water heating systems
- Chilled water systems
- Gas systems
- Supply and extraction ventilation
- Air conditioning
- Domestic water services
- Foul drainage above ground
- Rainwater drainage above ground
- Dry riser systems
- External services including gas and water
- Commissioning of mechanical services installations