previously brownfield site during May 2018,
initially demolishing existing buildings and
then installing steel piles and excavating
the basement. The slab was also cast in the
basement prior to Mifflin Construction
beginning the steel erection programme.
Using the site’s tower crane in
combination with MEWPs, Mifflin
estimates that it erected some 3,275
individual steel pieces for the scheme.
The steelwork programme, which also
included the procurement and installation
of reinforced concrete staircases was
completed this month (June).
“By choosing a steel-framed solution for
the project we have the advantage of not
just a quicker programme, but also a safer
and easier solution,” adds Mr Scott.
The Metalworks plot is a logistically
challenging site, as it is hemmed in by
existing residential buildings on three sides,
with the fourth side offering the only access
via Petersfield Avenue.
This thoroughfare is already quite busy,
and the site team say a concrete-framed
solution for this project would have
meant far more delivery trucks on the
neighbouring roads, which would have
been an inconvenience to local residents.
On a positive note, Mifflin has only needed
to make one or two steel deliveries every
couple of days to supply its steel erection
programme.
Both Iron House and Steel House have
similar designs, with the main difference
being the latter structure is slightly
longer than its neighbour as it over-sails
the basement along the site’s northern
perimeter.
Stability for the blocks is provided by
cross bracing, predominantly located in
the steel cores. While Iron House has one
central core, Steel House has two cores, one
containing a lift and stairs and serving all of
the building’s floors, and another stair core
that serves levels one, two and three.
Each of the blocks feature a number of
set-backs, giving the otherwise rectangular
buildings some architectural interest. These
steps occur at level four and six on both
blocks, with Steel House having an extra
set-back at floor five.
The buildings will be clad with
brickwork, with 90% of the apartments
having retrofitted balconies installed as part
of the latter works.
The Metalworks development is due to
be completed by July 2020.
Residential
Steel House oversails
the basement car park
Iron House is slightly
smaller than its
neighbour and sits
entirely over the car
park
Model showing the
project's steelwork
NSC 23
June 19
/Construction#Steel_erection
/Braced_frames
/The_case_for_steel#Speed_of_construction
/Health_and_safety
/Fabrication#Handling_and_transportation
/Concept_design#Structural_options_for_stability
/Braced_frames#Vertical_bracing
/Concept_design#Concrete_or_steel_cores
/Residential_and_mixed-use_buildings#Balcony_systems