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MBP
were initially appointed by Manresa Developments on the basis
of an alternative structural scheme that satisfied the high degree
of flexibility demanded by their design brief. On completion
of the Scheme Design Stage, the building contract was let to
Multiplex on a design and construct basis. MBP are retained as
consulting structural engineers by Multiplex.
This £43m shell and core development provides 15 luxury
apartments behind the retained façade of the former King's
College Building in Manresa Road, Chelsea. A new basement is
constructed across the whole site and accommodates car parking,
plant rooms and leisure and utility spaces for the flats –
cinemas, laundry rooms and stores. At ground level a large communal
garden with water features extends over the basement and behind
the new development. A Villa plot within the site is currently
being developed under a separate contract.
Basement walls are constructed using secant piles and the superstructure
loads are supported by a raft foundation. Excavation of the basement
results in ground heave caused by the unloading of the London
Clay at depth. This is counteracted to a varying extent across
the site by the loads applied as the new construction is built.
A stiff raft foundation is used to distribute loads and limit
differential movements. The behaviour is complex and finite element
computer programmes are used to model the characteristics of
the soil and its interaction with the reinforced concrete raft.
Above ground a hybrid construction of steel and concrete is adopted.
Cores within the body of the building are slip-formed in concrete,
while those adjacent to the flanks are constructed in steel to
overcome the physical constraints of the site. Concrete floors
are designed to act in conjunction with deep steel beams that
span ca 13 metres between party walls. Circular holes in the
webs of the beams allow for mechanical and electrical services
distribution within the structural depth.
Value (excl. fitout): £43m
Completion: 2006
Principal:
Tony Hayes
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