A light gauge steel frame from Sigmat is at the centre of a new flagship development near the centre of Norwich that is breathing new life into riverside living.
Canary Quay is a four-phased, light gauge steel-framed development of 323 high specification riverside apartments on the River Wensum. Phases 1-3 comprise 222 one and two-bedroom apartments in three separate developments which were completed in May 2021.
The remaining 101 apartments of Phase 4 are planned to complete in December 2022. The development will contribute significantly to easing the pressure on housing waiting lists and will help those needing housing.
The development has been built for Broadland Housing Association who have over 5,000 social and shared ownership homes under management throughout Norfolk. Phases 1 and 3 are being offered as social housing and Phases 2 and 4 will be a combination of Broadland Housing tenants and private owners.
RG Carter were chosen as the contractor for this project because of their experience of and expertise in high-rise developments and two stage tenders and an exemplary record of client collaboration, project deliverables and reliability.
A Sigmat steel frame was selected due to its environmental, programme, logistical and commercial benefits. Challenges included dramatic changes to labour logistics with the start of COVID-19 in early 2020, M&E clashes, steel supply issues and residents onsite as the phases progressed. These were overcome with resequencing and regular, close liaison with the design team, M&E contractors, suppliers, residents and the client with each phase being completed on time and on budget.
The use of the light gauged steel frame Sigmat system eliminated the requirement for secondary infill steel to the external wall. The system has the external wall pre-panelised offsite and includes the formation of all structural openings in the façade.
A key benefit of a project built with the Sigmat system is the ability for it to be re-used and repurposed at its end of life. After demolition many elements of the building are usually sent to landfill. With a Sigmat frame however, all the steel components can be reused and recycled, even the concrete in the floor slabs can be crushed and used again as an aggregate in lean mix concrete.
Most of the project team have been together from the start of the build and have used their skills, ingenuity and teamwork to overcome a number of challenges and keep the project on budget and on time. In recognition of the skill and experience applied to this project, Canary Quay was visited in March 2022 by Caroline Gumble CEO of the CIOB who wanted to see an example of an exemplary project using a light gauge steel frame system.
They were interested to understand more about the speed and efficiencies it has brought to the scheme. Canary Quay was one of the first uses of light gauge steel frame in Norwich. The spacious apartments all have balconies, river or garden views and are fitted with hi-spec bathrooms and kitchens.
There is a critical need for housing in Norwich and Canary Quay will help to address the problem by providing high quality dwellings in an attractive and convenient location for those who need it most. The development is regenerating and opening up a previously run-down area of Norwich that now has a thriving community on the River Wensum with communal spaces and river views for many residents providing a pleasing and positive environment for residents.
For more information visit: www.rgcarter.co.uk www.sigmat.co.uk
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