6 September 2023
Refurbishment
Size: 6 Historical Buildings
About the project:
Leicester City Centre, like many urban areas, has undergone a transformation over the years. A significant part of this transformation involves the refurbishment of existing structures to meet the evolving needs of the city.
M-EC were instructed by RG+P to provide expert structural support, including 2D and 3D drawn information for Pilot House, a historic set of buildings on King Street Leicester. This ambitious project will see the six interconnected historical buildings originally used for textile machining, storage, and a tram workshop be refurbished into a new and versatile space that includes workspaces, marketing/events areas, offices, and a café.
The proposed development presented a unique set of challenges, and the historical significance of the buildings added to the complexity of the proposed refurbishment. The team at M-EC were tasked with assessing the structural integrity of these buildings and determining the extent of renovations required to accommodate the intended uses while preserving their historical character.
M-EC initiated the project by conducting a comprehensive assessment of the floor and roof construction of the buildings. This involved comparing the original construction methods and load-bearing capacities with current building codes and standards. The goal was to ascertain whether strengthening measures would be necessary to support the proposed uses of the spaces.
One of the primary concerns during the assessment was the overall stability of the buildings before the commencement of refurbishment work. M-EC's structural engineers meticulously examined the existing structures, considering their form, grid layout of columns, and beams. This evaluation was vital in determining the feasibility of introducing new openings in floors and walls without compromising the building's overall stability.
Preserving the historical integrity of the buildings was a top priority. Therefore, the structural team faced the challenge of finding innovative solutions to blend modern requirements with the existing architectural elements. This meant carefully integrating structural framing into new openings while respecting the building's original design and layout.
To minimise disruption during refurbishment and maintain the safety of the project, M-EC's structural experts evaluated the provision of temporary works. They devised strategies to incorporate temporary solutions into the final design whenever possible. This approach will not only ensure the project's efficiency but also offer a sustainable way to adapt the buildings for their new purposes.
It has recently been announced that Henry Brothers will be the contractor who will see out the refurbishment of this project, and M-EC’s structural team will continue to work closely with Henry Brothers to evaluate the stability during the construction phase through to the completion of the project.
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