- Location
- Plymouth, United Kingdom
- Offices
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Client
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BAM
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Architect
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HLM Architects
- Location
- Plymouth, United Kingdom
- Offices
- Client
-
- BAM
- Architect
- HLM Architects
Share
One Research Way - Civil and Structural Engineering Services
Plymouth Science Park is a joint venture between Plymouth University and Plymouth City Council and is home to more than 70 businesses employing 750 people. They wanted their newest building to serve as a key landmark at the front of the site while also providing high-quality facilities for science and technology businesses. They engaged us as part of the team to help realise their vision.
We collaborated with contractor BAM and HLM Architects to design a braced steel framed structure that would be pre-fabricated in parallel with the cut-and-fill earthworks and foundation construction. This allowed for timely delivery and rapid erection on site, saving time on the construction programme in comparison with the reinforced concrete framed alternative.
Steel was also suitable for the angular shaped roof and cantilever break-out pods, which were installed as single pre-fabricated frames. Pre-cast concrete planks completed the structure, providing a durable floor structure with an exposed soffit to enable passive temperature control via high thermal mass.
Our site engineering design decreased the earthworks needed, avoided the use of large earth retaining structures, and reduced tree loss. In turn, this enabled us to increase the amount of car parking and raise the building to be more prominent on Derriford Road.
Additionally, our infrastructure engineers achieved considerable savings on the proposed underground surface water drainage system by agreeing a new surface water drainage route with the Environment Agency and local authority. Our design for the drainage system worked with ground conditions and provided a reduction in downstream flood risk due to the use of permeable paving solutions for the car park and a surface water attenuation tank for the building itself.
Today, the One Research Way features modern office space and technology as well as communal spaces designed to foster collaboration.
- Location
- Plymouth, United Kingdom
- Offices
-
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Client
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BAM
-
-
Architect
-
HLM Architects
- Location
- Plymouth, United Kingdom
- Offices
- Client
-
- BAM
- Architect
- HLM Architects
Share
Jonathan Derwent, Director, Civil & Structural Engineering
As a forward thinker, I am passionate about innovation, especially when it comes to designing low-carbon structures.
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