Best use of steel technology

After Galliford Try were selected as preferred bidder by the developer Regents Godiva, Sigmat were the successful light gauge steel frame (LGSF) system chosen to provide a full structural solution at Coventry University.

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The 24,500m2 scheme at Godiva Place in Coventry has created a stunning 772-bedroom facility. Despite the normal challenges associated with such a large project, Sigmat's holistic approach was invaluable in mitigating any emerging problems. In simple terms they designed the project and completed the technical drawings ahead of manufacturing and panel assembly prior to final frame erection onsite. The aim of the project was to deliver a student accommodation scheme within a given budget and time frame.

It needed to have elements of future proofing to enable student room conversion into something more like a studio apartment. A challenging city centre site that for buildability, had to be planned meticulously in relation to access near the HR steel podium transfer. An experienced company with a history of HR structural steel and LGSF was needed. Sigmat designed and installed the double HR steel podium transfers on blocks 1 and 2 as well as the future proofing element of HR steel goalposts allowing non-structural

walls below.

A feature called 'bat ears' in house, enabled them to create interesting frame shapes that worked hard to bring an interesting 'design' to the structure and a key feature of the elevation adjacent to the by-pass. The aesthetic and architectural impact of the 'bat ears' feature was something new to Sigmat but embraced in order to produce the stunning feature shown in a supporting image. Sigmat were able to offer a build without the need for scaffold. The SigSafe system allowed the programme to be further accelerated by removing this element. The Sigmat system achieves an increase of 17.8% in structural efficiency when compared to many key competitors.

LGSF is not only innovative, but can represent a combined saving that is delivered as either improved timescales, budget gains or the advantages of lower site impacts which in turn, enhance relationships either at client level or with locally based communities. A benefit with LGSF is the ability to bring additional trades in earlier allowing the programme to be accelerated to hit an end date critical to the new intake of students. LGSF systems have the advantage of speed over more traditional methods and are widely accepted to be up to 50% faster in terms of delivery, a statistic evidenced by this project.

For more information visit: www.sigmat.co.uk