New Build
Cricklewood, London, UK
Project Brief
LSY Engineering Consultants Ltd was appointed by a London-based property fund to provide comprehensive civil and structural engineering services for a prestigious six-bedroom residential apartment development in North London.
Our involvement spanned the full project lifecycle, from initial concept and feasibility through to construction completion and handover, in accordance with RIBA Stages 1-6.
Challenges
The project presented several technical and logistical challenges that required careful planning and coordination across multiple disciplines.
Key considerations included:
- The demolition of an existing building on site prior to the commencement of construction works, requiring the preparation and submission of a detailed demolition method statement.
- Complex structural requirements associated with a distinctive cranked roof design.
- Coordination of a high density of building services within the structural framework.
- Integration of the site’s drainage infrastructure with the existing Thames Water network.
- Ground investigations to confirm soil conditions and assess the potential presence of contamination resulting from the site’s previous use.
Process
To inform the foundation design, two boreholes were commissioned and analysed to establish the site’s geotechnical characteristics. Following assessment of the proposed structural loading and ground conditions, a piled foundation solution was selected as the most appropriate and efficient foundation strategy.
During RIBA Stage 3, our structural engineers developed a steel frame solution to accommodate the complex roof geometry while maintaining structural efficiency. The floor construction incorporated timber upper floors together with beam-and-block flooring at ground level.
As the design evolved, traditional timber joists were upgraded to engineered posi-joists, allowing building services to pass seamlessly through the floor structure. This significantly improved coordination between structural and MEP systems while reducing the need for additional service zones.
LSY also led the civil engineering design package, undertaking and coordinating all drainage investigations and managing approvals with Thames Water on behalf of the client.
To address surface water management requirements, we designed an attenuation system that maximised the use of existing infrastructure. The solution incorporated 300mm diameter attenuation pipework to provide temporary surface water storage while reducing the overall engineering footprint. Due to the level constraints imposed by the existing Thames Water mains, pumping stations were incorporated at key locations across the site to ensure effective drainage performance.
Throughout the construction phase, our team maintained a proactive on-site presence, collaborating closely with both the contractor and client. Regular site inspections, design reviews and project meetings ensured that the engineering design was delivered accurately and efficiently.
Outcome
The development was successfully delivered on programme and within budget, meeting the client’s expectations for quality, performance and buildability.
The project’s successful outcome strengthened our relationship with the client, leading to ongoing appointments across a number of high-value residential developments throughout London.
“LSY has been involved primarily as providing a wide variety of structural engineering services on various high-end residential projects within our project portfolio on projects in London. They have always supported us to a high standard and delivered on within our project program requirements.”
Connor O’Sullivan – Portfolio Manager (Residential)
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