NSC 15
May 19
construction method for the first phase
was led by the contractor and was
essentially a commercial decision based
on cost.
Falconer Chester Hall Architects
Associate Gareth Jones agrees and says the
choice was based on economies of scale,
as steel construction was the most costeffective
and quickest option for the initial
two blocks.
He says: “A simple pallet of materials
is expressed throughout the buildings,
comprising smooth large format metallic
panels, contrasting textured dark grey
panels with a mixture of dark Terracotta
tiles, all emphasising the layering of the
building’s façade.
“This architectural language extends
into the steel frame, with the exposed
geometrical raking steel columns to the
entrance areas located on the riverside
elevations. This clear architectural
dialogue, form and shape resonates with
the maritime character of the former
Pomona Docks.”
Both of the two blocks in phase one
have a similar design, with the only main
differences being the second building is
taller, slightly longer and contains two
concrete cores instead of one.
Block A is based around a regular
column grid pattern incorporating
9.6m-wide bays. The floors are compositely
formed with steel beams supporting metal
decking and a concrete topping.
“As a residential building, acoustics have
greater implications than a for a similar
commercial building. Part of the solution
in this case was to utilise heavier 190mm
thick floor slabs. This had implications on
the steel sections utilised,” says Mr Jones.
“Further challenges with respect to the
steel section sizes selected was hiding the
steel within the walls and limited ceiling
zones and maintaining tight deflection
criteria.”
Throughout the building, a central spine
corridor separates two rows of apartments
on each of the floors.
The building has terraces on the eighth
and ninth levels as the main structure steps
back slightly.
The most prominent part of block A,
and in time, all of the buildings, is the
canal-facing rounded ship-like front. This
is formed by curved members that create
balconies from level three upwards.
Ground floor, first floor and second
floor are all set-back at the front of the
building, below a cantilever which is
supported by the previously mentioned
CHS columns. These feature tubular
members are 457mm-diameter and each
weigh 8t.
Elsewhere on the building, retrofit
balconies are to be installed later in the
construction programme. The prefabricated
units will be brought to site and
bolted to plates that Elland Steel previously
fixed to the perimeter beams.
Manchester Waters Phase One is due to
be complete by late 2020.
As well as phase two, future plans also
include a podium that will wrap around all
of the blocks. This will contain a ground
level car park with a landscaped rooftop.
Residential
FACT FILE
X1 Manchester Waters
Phase One
Main client:
X1 Developments
Architect:
Falconer Chester Hall
Main contractor:
Vermont
Structural engineer:
WSP
Steelwork contractor:
Elland Steel Structures
Steel tonnage: 1,100t
The two cores for Block
B were installed early
in the programme
Twin pairs of V-shaped
tubular columns
support a cantilever
Balconies are to be
retrofitted later in the
programme
How the completed
Phase One will look
/Construction
/Facades_and_interfaces
/Concept_design#Floor_grids
/Composite_construction
/Acoustics
/Multi-storey_office_buildings
/Steel_construction_products#Standard_open_sections
/Steel_section_sizes
/Residential_and_mixed-use_buildings#Residential_buildings_in_urban_areas
/Fabrication#Bending
/Residential_and_mixed-use_buildings#Balcony_systems
/Steel_construction_products#Structural_hollow_sections